Everyday Grammar TV: Give Me a Break!

John: Say, Dr. Jill, did you hear about Metro? Jill: Yes, my phone is blowing up with all the “Breaking News” alerts. Was it some kind of a breakdown? John: I heard they stopped all the trains because of a problem with their main computer. Jill: Sometimes the “breaking news” is not so special. It used to mean “we are interrupting this broadcast for an important event.” John: Now, it’s just something that is not unusual. Like when it’s going to rain. Jill: But this time it IS important, because I need to find another way to get home tonight. John: You reminded me - there are some other ways we use the word “break.” Jill: My favorite one is "coffee break," the time we take a few minutes away from work. John: And then there’s “Breaking Bad,” one of my favorite TV shows. Jill: Did you know, the writer of the show lived in a place where “breaking bad” meant “going wild” or to "break the law? John : Sounds a little like you, Dr. Jill! Jill: Hey! Well, maybe when I was younger. . Anyway, he thought everyone knew it. In Southern Virginia, you might hear, "I was out the other night at the bar…and I really broke bad." John: Not me! Jill (kind of sarcastically): Of course not, John. "Breaking bad" means for a good person to start doing bad things. I know you ONLY do good things! John : Hey, give me a break! Jill : Another way we use “break” – to say “Stop bothering me!” John: And that’s everyday grammar! Originally published at - https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a...