quick break

A baker takes a quick break with a cup of coffee.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sudden, fast interruption or pause: "quick break" refers to a brief, rapid cessation of an activity, often to rest or change direction.
   • In sports (basketball): A "quick break" is a fast offensive play where a team moves the ball down the court rapidly to score before the defense can set up. (This is more commonly known as a "fast break"; "quick break" is a less frequent variant.)

Usage Examples

• General:

  • We took a quick break from studying to have some coffee. (A short pause for rest.)
  • The mechanic needed a quick break to check the engine. (A brief interruption in work.)

• Sports:

  • The team executed a quick break after the steal, scoring an easy layup. (A fast offensive move in basketball.)

Advanced Usage

• "on a quick break": during a short rest period.

  • I'll call you back; I'm on a quick break right now. (I am taking a brief pause from work.)

• "quick break for lunch": a short meal break.

  • We only have a quick break for lunch today. (A limited time to eat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Break (n): a pause or interruption.

  • We need a break from the noise. (A rest or stop.)

• Quick (adj): done with speed; fast.

  • He gave a quick answer. (A fast response.)

Synonyms

• Short pause: a brief stop.
• Fast break: a rapid offensive play in basketball (more common term than "quick break").

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Take a quick break": to pause briefly.

  • Let's take a quick break before the next meeting. (Let's rest for a short time.)

• "Break away quickly": to leave or separate suddenly.

  • The runner broke away quickly from the pack. (He moved ahead fast.)

Related Idioms

• "Break the ice": to initiate conversation in a social setting (not directly related to "quick break").
• "Break a leg": a phrase of good luck for performers (not directly related).