get a break

1. To obtain or receive a fortuitous and beneficial opportunity. I finally got a break when a big Hollywood producer asked me to audition for a part in the movie. Teams always need depth in the minors. You might get a break and get called up to the majors after all. I got a lucky break in my twenties, and it totally changed the trajectory of my career—that's why I like to help the up-and-comers in the industry.

2. To receive special treatment or a favorable deal, especially regarding a reduced price on something. Tenants in the city center will be getting a break on rental prices when the city council introduces a new rent-control scheme next year. You'll get a break on your car insurance if you don't get in any accidents while you're driving. My dad works for the cable company, so that's how we're able to get a break on our cable bill.

3. To obtain new information leading toward a solution to a given problem. The detectives finally got a break when an anonymous caller tipped them off to the kidnapper's location. Before all these advances in DNA analysis, it was darn near impossible to get a break in a cold case like this. If these are the father's fingerprints, I think we've finally gotten a break in the case!

4. To get relief from some difficulty or problem(s). We're hoping to get a break from the drought with a little bit of rainfall this weekend. First, my car breaks down and then I lose my keys to the apartment—I just can't get a break today! I can't get a break from this nausea—it lasts all day long. "Morning sickness," yeah right!

get a break

Obtain a favorable opportunity; get special consideration or treatment. For example, The understudy finally got a break when the star became ill, or The new price is higher, but you are getting a break on service. [c. 1900] Also see give someone a break.