Break one’s/someone’s fall is a common phrase that we often hear in our daily lives. It is an idiomatic expression that has a straightforward meaning. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of the phrase, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
To break one’s/someone’s fall means to prevent someone from falling or to reduce the impact of a fall. It is a phrase used to describe the act of cushioning the impact of a fall or preventing someone from falling to the ground.
Origin
The phrase break one’s/someone’s fall has been in use for a long time. Its origin can be traced back to the early 16th century. The phrase is a combination of two words, break and fall. The word break means to stop something from happening or to prevent something from getting worse. The word fall means to drop or to descend from a higher to a lower position.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase break one’s/someone’s fall means to prevent someone from falling heavily or to cushion the impact of a fall. In Merriam-Webster dictionary, the phrase is defined as to stop someone from falling or to cushion the impact of a fall.
Associations
The phrase break one’s/someone’s fall is associated with the act of protecting or saving someone from harm. It is often used in situations where a person is about to fall or has already fallen, and someone tries to prevent them from getting hurt.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of the phrase break one’s/someone’s fall are cushion, soften, mitigate, alleviate, and lessen.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of the phrase break one’s/someone’s fall are worsen, aggravate, exacerbate, intensify, and increase.
The same root words
The same root words of the phrase break one’s/someone’s fall are break and fall. These words have multiple meanings and are used in various contexts.
Example Sentences
- The gymnastics coach was able to break the athlete’s fall during the routine.
- The thick carpet in the living room helped to break the child’s fall when he tripped and fell.
- The airbag in the car was designed to break the driver’s fall in case of an accident.
In conclusion, the phrase break one’s/someone’s fall is a commonly used expression that describes the act of preventing someone from falling or cushioning the impact of a fall. It is associated with the act of protecting or saving someone from harm. The phrase has been in use for a long time and has a straightforward meaning.