break loose from (someone or something)

break loose from (someone or something)

1. To escape from physical restraints imposed by someone or something else. It was quite a struggle, but I finally broke loose from the handcuffs and ran for help. Now that she can walk, my daughter tries to break loose from me anytime I pick her up. It's a miracle the victim was able to break loose from that chair and escape the suspect's house.

2. To physically separate from something. This phrase can be applied to both people and things. I had to chase my dog down the street after he broke loose from the leash during our walk. Those bricks in the yard must have broken loose from the chimney. Yikes, the antenna just broke loose in my hand as I was trying to extend it from the radio.

3. By extension, to become independent of the influences of someone or something else. I moved to Europe as a means of breaking loose from my controlling parents. Now that she has substantial private funding, the acclaimed director has broken loose from the mainstream film industry. I'm starting to break loose from the religious tradition I was raised in.

See also: break, loose

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

break something loose from something

to loosen a part of something; to loosen and remove a part of something. The mechanic broke the strap loose from the tailpipe. The bracket was broken loose from the wall.

See also: break, loose

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

break/cut/tear (something) ˈloose from somebody/something

separate yourself or somebody/something from a group of people or their influence, etc: The organization broke loose from its sponsors. ♢ He cut himself loose from his family.

See also: break, cut, loose, somebody, something, tear

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017