break away
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle away
Meanings
Escape from someone holding you
Why “away”? A person, object, look, or choice becomes more distant from its starting point.
“He broke away from his captors.”
“The horse broke away from the rope.”
Leave a group to form a separate one
“They broke away to form a new party.”
“Several members broke away from the club.”
Pull ahead of others in a race
“He broke away from the pack.”
“The runner broke away on the last hill.”
Don't confuse with
Break away means escape from someone holding you. Break through means force a way through an obstacle or barrier.
Test yourself
“He broke away from his captors.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
break through
A contrast learners often mix up
Cut into a broadcast or transmission; Force a way through an obstacle or barrier; Achieve success after a period of effort
back away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move away or distance yourself, often from fear or caution
call away
Same away pattern: leaving
Be required to leave because of an urgent matter
chase away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone or something to leave by chasing
come away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave a place with a particular feeling or impression
drag away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone to leave a place reluctantly
draw away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move ahead of competitors by extending the lead
drive away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave by car; Force someone to leave or stay away
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