break open

phrasal verb

broke open; broken open; breaking open; breaks open

: to open or to cause (something) to open suddenly

The pods broke open and the seeds scattered on the wind.

The police broke open the door.

The burglars broke the locked safe open.

Examples of break open in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Still, there has been worry within some league circles that the Bears have jumped into yet another critical hiring cycle like a blindfolded third grader hoping to break open the birthday party piñata. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2025 In order to keep to their promise to freeze tuition at current rates, the two sprawling public higher education systems must trim their budgets and break open their emergency piggy banks. —

Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2025 Even as her heart broke open in front of him, though, Grace found the strength to finally stand up for herself. —

Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024 The Canes broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to run away from Wake Forest 42-14, holding the Demon Deacons (4-7, 2-5) without an offensive touchdown after the first quarter. —

Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for break open