Elamur: [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Parse](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/parse/) · **Dictionary** · [Translate](https://md.translate.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [Research](https://md.research.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [MCP](https://mcp.elamur.ai/) · [Groupants](https://md.groupants.elamur.ai/free/en/)

[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/on-a-break/)

[dictionaries](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [English](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/) / [O](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/o/) / on a break

# on a break

phrase (adverb phrase used after «be»: on a break, on a break from each other)

«on a break» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (literal) having a short rest from work or school.
2. (euphemism, everyday) a couple are temporarily separated; they are not together for now but may get back together.
3. (informal) not doing an activity for a time (a band on a break).

### In the lessons

Used for couples to say they have split up for a while without saying «we broke up»; very common in gossip and TV. Everyday register, all English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- The shop assistant is on a break, back in ten minutes.
- We're on a break, not broken up!
- The band is on a break after the long tour.
- Are they still together? No, they're on a break.
- I'm on a break from social media this month.
- The players are on a break between halves.

### Note

In relationship talk it can lead to arguments about what was allowed during the break. Do not assume «on a break» means a rest at work. Plain words: separated, split up (for now).