breaking

breaking and entering

the crime of forcing one's way into a place. (A criminal charge.) Wilbur was charged with four counts of breaking and entering. It was not an act of breaking and entering. The thief just opened the door and walked right in.

See also: and, enter

breaking point 

1. Lit. the point at which something will break. The mule's back was strained to the breaking point with masses of bundles and straw.

2. Fig. the point at which nerves or one's mental state can endure no more. My nerves are at the breaking point.

See also: point

You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Prov. In order to get something good or useful, you must give up something else. Jill: Why do they have to tear down that beautiful old building to build an office park? Jane: You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs. Alan: We may make more money by raising our prices, but we'll also upset a lot of customers. Fred: You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

See also: cannot, egg, make, without

---

It's/You're breaking my heart!  (humorous)

something that you say in order to tell someone you do not feel sad about an event or situation 'Things are so bad right now she's had to sell one of her houses.' 'You're breaking my heart!'

You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

something that you say which means it is difficult to achieve something important without causing any unpleasant effects Twenty jobs will have to be cut if the company's going to be made more efficient. But you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

See also: egg, make, without