Break open

Meaning

The idiom "break open" means to reveal or make something known, usually something that was previously hidden or kept secret. It can also mean to expose a mistake or error, to gain access to a place or thing, or to force someone to accept a new idea or perspective.

Usage

• The whistleblower broke open the scandal by revealing the truth about the company's illegal activities.
• The new CEO's innovative leadership has started to break open the company's outdated ways of doing things.
• When I tried to hack into my neighbor's computer, it suddenly "break opened" and I found all their sensitive files.
• The secret meeting between the politicians was finally exposed when a whistleblower broke open their private conversation.
• The discovery of dark matter by scientists has broken open our understanding of the universe and led to new theories about its origins.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "break open" is uncertain, but it's likely related to the idea of breaking something apart or opening up a sealed container. In the 17th century, the phrase "break open" was used in the context of opening a locked chest or safe. By the 19th century, the idiom had evolved to mean revealing secrets or information that were previously hidden.

Synonyms in English

• Expose
• Reveal
• Uncover
• Unearth
• Disclose

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Desbloquear (to unlock)
• French: Débloquer (to unlock)
• German: Entsperren (to unlock)
• Italian: Sbloccare (to unlock)
• Portuguese: Abrir (to open)

Similar Idioms

• building blocks

• burn fingers

• by the skin of your teeth