break (something) to (someone)

break (something) to (someone)

To reveal information, often that which is bad or upsetting. Who is going to break the news of the accident to Millie? Your mother is going to be furious if she learns of our engagement from someone else—you have to break it to her first!See also: break

break something to someone

to disclose some news or information to someone. (Often said of unpleasant news.) I hate to be the one to break this to you, but there is trouble at home. We broke the bad news to Ken gently.See also: break