Catch a break Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkætʃ/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈbɹeɪk

KATCH-uh-BRAYK

UK

kˈætʃ/ /æɪ/ /bɹˈeɪk

KATCH-uh-BRAYK

Definition

To finally experience some good luck or relief after a period of difficulties or bad luck.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, spoken expression meaning to finally have something go well, often after repeated failures. Common in phrases like 'can't catch a break' (things keep going wrong). Not used in formal writing.

• Spanish: tener un golpe de suerte - lograr un respiro
• Portuguese (BR): ter uma chance - conseguir um alívio
• Portuguese (PT): ter uma oportunidade - conseguir um alívio
• Chinese (Simplified): 转运 - 终于有好运
• Chinese (Traditional): 轉運 - 終於有好運
• Hindi: अच्छा मौका मिलना - थोड़ी राहत मिलना
• Arabic: يحالفه الحظ - يحصل على فرصة
• Bengali: সুযোগ পাওয়া - ভাগ্যের সহায়তা পাওয়া
• Russian: повезти - наконец-то добиться успеха
• Japanese: 運が巡ってくる - チャンスをつかむ
• Vietnamese: gặp may - có cơ hội thuận lợi
• Korean: 운이 트이다 - 기회를 잡다
• Turkish: şans yakalamak - işleri yoluna koymak
• Urdu: قسمت کا ساتھ دینا - قسمت کا موقع ملنا
• Indonesian: mendapat keberuntungan - mendapatkan kesempatan

Example Sentences

After searching for months, he finally caught a break and got a job.

basic

Sometimes it feels like I just can't catch a break.

basic

She worked hard for years before she finally caught a break.

basic

Every time I fix one problem, another pops up—can't catch a break!

natural

I'm hoping to finally catch a break this year after everything that's happened.

natural

Luck hasn't let me catch a break lately—it's one thing after another.

natural