I hate to break it to you

Used to introduce some information that one is about to reveal that the other person will find upsetting, unpleasant, or undesirable. A: "We'll need a strong third quarter to weather this downturn." B: "Well, I hate to break it to you, but sales are coming to a screeching halt." Look, I hate to break it to you, but Molly doesn't want anything to do with you anymore. I hate to break it to you, but you're on your own with Mom—I've gotta go!