Honor in the breach Meaning in English

expression

US

AHN-er in thuh BREECH

UK

ON-uh in thuh BREECH

Definition

Describes a rule or custom that is better ignored or broken rather than followed because following it would cause problems or be less appropriate.

Usage & Nuances

This is a somewhat formal and literary expression, often used with 'more honored in the breach than the observance.' It usually refers to traditions or rules better left aside. Use mainly in written or serious conversation; not common in everyday speech.

• Spanish: mejor romper la regla que cumplirla
• Portuguese (BR): é melhor descumprir a regra do que segui-la
• Portuguese (PT): é melhor quebrar a regra do que segui-la
• Chinese (Simplified): 违反比遵守更好（指应打破某规则）
• Chinese (Traditional): 違反比遵守更好（指應打破某規則）
• Hindi: नियम तोड़ना ही बेहतर है
• Arabic: الأفضل كسر القاعدة من الالتزام بها
• Bengali: বিধি না মানাই উত্তম
• Russian: лучше нарушить правило, чем его соблюдать
• Japanese: 守るより破った方が良い（規則に従わない方が望ましい）
• Vietnamese: phá vỡ quy tắc thì tốt hơn tuân theo
• Korean: 규칙을 지키기보다 어기는 것이 낫다
• Turkish: kuralı çiğnemek daha iyidir
• Urdu: قانون توڑنا ہی بہتر ہے
• Indonesian: lebih baik melanggar aturan daripada menaatinya

Example Sentences

In some cases, following the rule is worse, so it is honor in the breach.

basic

That old tradition is now honor in the breach because it causes problems.

basic

If a rule does more harm than good, it's honor in the breach.

basic

When it comes to that outdated policy, it's definitely honor in the breach.

natural

Honestly, the best thing is honor in the breach—just skip that custom.

natural

Frankly, that dress code is honor in the breach at our office now.

natural