give someone a break

give (one) a break

1. To make a concession or allowance for one. I just need someone at this company to give me a break. I'll take any job here, even cleaning the bathrooms.2. A plea for someone else to stop doing something annoying or troublesome. Guys, I told you I needed you to be quiet for five minutes while I made a call, and you couldn't even do it for 10 seconds! Give me a break, will you?3. A scoffing retort to something that seems unbelievable or ridiculous. You, the night owl, are getting up at 5 AM tomorrow? Give me a break!See also: break, give

give someone a break

1. Give someone a chance or special consideration. For example, She begged the professor for an extension on her term paper, saying " Please give me a break." [c. 1900] Also see get a break. 2. give me a break. Stop trying to fool or upset or bother me. For example, Don't tell me the party's been postponed again-give me a break! This interjection is usually uttered with semihumorous exasperation. [Slang; late 1900s] See also: break, give, someone

give someone a break

stop putting pressure on someone about something. informalSee also: break, give, someone