break the story: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘break the story’ mean?
The idiom "break the story" means to be the first to uncover or report on important news or information.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *I'll tell you* is used to grab someone's attention or emphasize a point before providing information or sharing an opinion. It signals that the speaker has something important to say or wants to share insight.
The idiom "headlines" refers to the prominent and attention-grabbing text that appears at the top of a newspaper or news article. It is used metaphorically to indicate something that is of great significance or importance.
The idiom "guess what" is used to introduce or emphasize surprising or unexpected information or news.
The idiom "ground-breaking" refers to something innovative or revolutionary that completely transforms a particular field or industry.
The idiom "find out" means to discover or obtain information by investigating or asking questions.
The idiom "drop a bombshell" means to reveal surprising or shocking news or information that has a powerful and disruptive impact.
The idiom "dish the dirt" means to share or reveal gossip or negative information about someone. It is often used when someone is talking about another person's personal or private matters in a negative or judgmental way.
The idiom "dig up" means to uncover or discover information or facts that were previously unknown or forgotten.
The idiom "cut to the chase" means to get to the main point or most important part of something without wasting time or providing unnecessary details.
The idiom "come to light" means to be revealed or discovered, usually after being hidden or secret. It implies that information or facts are made known, often through investigation or examination.
Unveiling the Secrets
The idiom "break the story" is a commonly used phrase in journalism and media circles. It is primarily used to describe the action of being the first to report or publish a newsworthy event or information. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early days of journalism when breaking stories was a competitive expedience among news organizations.
The idiom "break the story" is often used in the context of journalism and media to describe the act of being the first to report or publish important news or information. When a journalist or a news organization breaks a story, it means they have obtained and disseminated information before any other media outlet. This could include reporting on a newsworthy event, uncovering a scandal, or revealing exclusive details about a topic of public interest.
The origins of the idiom "break the story" can be traced back to the early days of journalism when news organizations competed fiercely to obtain and publish newsworthy information before their competitors. In an era without modern communication technology, being the first to break a story was a significant accomplishment, as it allowed a news organization to gain a competitive advantage over others by providing their audience with exclusive, up-to-date information.
Breaking a story requires diligent investigative work, reliable sources, and efficient reporting. Journalists often spend significant time and effort researching, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and corroborating information before they can confidently break a story. The process can involve rigorous fact-checking and measures to ensure accuracy and credibility.
Breaking a story can have a profound impact on journalism and the media landscape. The news outlet or journalist who breaks a story often receives recognition for their journalistic prowess and is credited with setting the agenda for other news organizations. Breaking a story can lead to increased readership or viewership, a boost in reputation, and sometimes even financial gains for the news outlet.
In today's digital era, the idiom "break the story" has gained even more significance with the rise of online news platforms and social media. Being the first to break a story on a digital platform can attract a widespread audience and generate virality, potentially reaching millions of people within a short period.
The related idiom "break it to" is used to describe the act of informing someone about something in a straightforward or honest manner. In the context of journalism, when a journalist breaks a story, they may also have to "break it to" certain individuals or groups who may be affected by the information being published. This could involve notifying individuals involved in the story, such as subjects or sources, or informing the general public about the implications of the news being reported.
The idiom "break cover" is often used in the context of espionage or undercover operations. However, it can also be used metaphorically in journalism to describe the act of revealing or exposing something that was previously hidden or unknown. When a news organization or journalist "breaks cover," they are bringing attention to a story or information that was not widely known or discussed before. This can involve uncovering a scandal or exposing wrongdoing.
The idiom "break out" can have multiple interpretations in the context of journalism. One interpretation is that when news breaks out, it means that a newsworthy event or situation has occurred, and journalists are now reporting on it. For example, when a natural disaster or a major political development occurs, news outlets will "break out" with coverage and updates. Another interpretation of "break out" in journalism is when a story gains widespread attention or goes viral. When a news story "breaks out" in this sense, it means that it has become highly popular or widely discussed.
The idiom "bury the lead" refers to a journalistic practice of placing the most important or attention-grabbing information deep into an article, rather than at the beginning. This can be done for various reasons, such as building suspense or emphasizing a different aspect of the story. However, it is generally considered a poor journalistic practice, as it can confuse or frustrate readers who are looking for the most important information upfront. To "bury the lead" is to hide or downplay the most significant part of a story.
Overall, the idiom "break the story" continues to be a crucial aspect of journalism and media. It represents the pursuit of being the first to report or publish important news or information. As news organizations and journalists strive to provide their audience with accurate and timely information, the race to break stories remains an integral part of the media industry, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of journalism in the digital age.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "break the story" can be used in a sentence:
- A new journalist was able to break the story before anyone else, securing an exclusive scoop for their newspaper.
- The investigative reporter worked tirelessly to break the story of the corruption scandal that had been hidden for years.
- The news anchor announced that they had a breaking news update and proceeded to break the story about the sudden resignation of a high-profile politician.
The idiom "break the story" is commonly used in news reporting to refer to being the first to publish or report about a particular news event or information. It implies being the source that initiates the coverage and provides the initial details of the story to the public.