Break the silence Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɹeɪk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈsaɪɫəns
BRAYK thuh SY-lens
bɹˈeɪk/ /ðə, ði/ /sˈaɪləns
brayk thuh SY-lens
Definition
To speak or make a noise after a period of quiet, often when everyone is silent or not talking.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in social, emotional, or dramatic contexts where silence might feel awkward or tense. Common with 'finally', 'someone', or after a pause. Can refer to both literal and metaphorical silence (such as ending a taboo).
Spanish: romper el silencioPortuguese (BR): quebrar o silêncio - romper o silêncioPortuguese (PT): quebrar o silêncio - romper o silêncioChinese (Simplified): 打破沉默Chinese (Traditional): 打破沉默Hindi: सन्नाटा तोड़नाArabic: كسر الصمتBengali: নীরবতা ভাঙা - নীরবতা কাটানোRussian: тишину нарушить - прервать молчаниеJapanese: 沈黙を破るVietnamese: phá vỡ sự im lặngKorean: 침묵을 깨다Turkish: sessizliği bozmakUrdu: خاموشی توڑناIndonesian: memecahkan keheningan
Example Sentences
He finally broke the silence and asked a question.
basic
No one wanted to break the silence during dinner.
basic
She smiled to break the silence.
basic
Who’s going to break the silence first?
natural
It took a joke to finally break the silence in the room.
natural
I cleared my throat to break the silence before speaking.
natural