step into the breach

To perform an action or job or fill a role or position of another person who is not willing or able to do it. Hailey just called from the hospital, and she's not going to be able to make it tonight, so you're going to have to step into the breach and play Juliet. We should give substitute teachers credit for stepping into the breach every day.

See also: breach, step

step into the breach

If you step into the breach, you do something that someone else would usually do but is unable to do. When Richard had to go abroad on business Tim Waites usually stepped into the breach and kept Emerald company. Ted Enloe and Benjamin Rosen will step into the breach until a replacement for Pfeiffer is found.

See also: breach, step

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

step into the breach

take the place of someone who is suddenly unable to do a job or task.

In military terms a breach is a gap in fortifications made by enemy guns or explosives. In this context, to stand in the breach is to bear the brunt of an attack when other defences or expedients have failed.

See also: breach, step

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

step into the ˈbreach

do somebody’s job or work when they are suddenly or unexpectedly unable to do it: The cook at the hotel fell ill, so the manager’s wife stepped into the breach.

This comes from the military. A breach was a hole that had been made in the walls that defended you from your enemies. If you stepped into the breach you stood in front of the hole and tried to stop people from entering.

See also: breach, step

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

References in periodicals archive

Ocado currently has a tie-up with Waitrose, but it has been suggested that M&S would step into the breach when the existing contract ends next year.

Ocado link with M&S mooted

In the absence of Footpad, who scoped poorly and has been ruled out of the meeting by Willie Mullins, it is left to the horses who chased him home at Cheltenham to step into the breach.

Footpad out of Maghull

That has led to Ecclestone negotiating with Hockenheim's promoters in the hope they can step into the breach for the July 17-19 event, but the clock is ticking.

Ecclestone is waiting on Germans; BRIEFLY

But boss Kevin Wilkin has backed Coughlin to step into the breach.

IT'S TIME FOR ANDY TO STAKE HIS CLAIM; WREXHAM SUFFER BACHMANN KNEE INJURY BLOW Wilkin challenges Coughlin as scans confirm on-loan man's medial damage

Fears about the right-back vacancy left by Danny Simpson's injury have also been eased by Pardew's confidence in Vurnon Anita's ability to step into the breach, while James Tavernier would jump at the chance of a Premier League start.

Magpies boosted by quartet return

McCann will slot in for experienced Paul Tyrrell, who left Anfield only to step into the breach for Ian Ross at Everton.

Mersey pair in new spin cycle

Under normal circumstances, Ryan Giggs would step into the breach but it has been noticeable this season that the honour has gone to Nemanja Vidic.

Neville is stripped

And if that happens, Dalglish looks likely to step into the breach on a temporary basis, with fellow Liverpool legend Ian Rush, to provide stability and breathing space in the search for a permanent successor.

LIVERPOOL ON LEGENDS STANDBY; DALGLISH IS POISED

It ensures the oldest race on the F1 calendar retains its place in motor sport history, with Silverstone able to step into the breach following Donington Park's failure to meet its obligations.

British GP saved by new deal; MOTORSPORT

I WAS pleased to hear that the Ricoh Arena are planning to make a bid to step into the breach left by Villa Park to stage Olympic football matches in 2012.

Boost needed for Ricoh infrastructure; Letters

Dear Editor, I was pleased to hear that the Ricoh Arena are planning to make a bid to step into the breach left by Villa park to stage Olympic football matches in 2012.

Ricoh needs better traffic management; AGENDA & LETTERS

The birthday party is in ruins until Steve persuades Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) to step into the breach.

Confederation Street

Martin Evans, of the Wales Transport Research Centre, said there were no other no-frills airlines running budget flights to Canada which could easily step into the breach.

CAN AIRPORT FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR STRICKEN OPERATOR?

He admitted though that he felt honoured and privileged when chairman John Yorkston asked him to step into the breach.

Football: Mac is cool over switch into hotseat; ALL THE LATEST FROM EAST END PARK