screen_rotation Please rotate your device to portrait mode
Expression of the Day
Puzzle #33 · July 4, 2025

breakaway

Featured

Every day one two-word expression or compound word used in American English.

A breakaway is a sudden escape from a group, particularly in sports. In hockey and soccer, a breakaway happens when an offensive player gets past all defenders and races alone toward the goal—one of the most exciting plays in sports. In cycling, a breakaway is when one or more riders surge ahead of the peloton.

Beyond sports, “breakaway” describes any sudden departure from an established group or pattern. A breakaway republic declares independence. A breakaway faction splits from a political party. The word captures the drama of separation—the moment someone decides the group isn't fast enough and goes alone.
Puzzle Appearances

The expression breakaway has appeared in 1 puzzle:

  • Puzzle #33 on July 4, 2025
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print

Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.

Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.

Explore More Expressions

Everyday the Wordcels Puzzle has a featured expression showing meaning, history and connection to culture. Explore them all.

Browse All Expressions
The Wordcels Puzzle

Think you've mastered Americanisms? The two-word phrases, compound words and idiomatic expressions of American English? Each day the Wordcels Puzzle provides 15 words that must be arranged to form 16 expressions. Give it a try.

Wordcels