Break the News

0:03Welcome to English in a Minute.

0:06News can be any information that is, well, new to someone.

0:11But what does it mean to break the news?

0:16So, are you all ready for our big work trip to Brazil?

0:21I just bought a new travel shirt, travel sunglasses, and this travel guidebook.

0:28Andrew, I hate to break the news, but you're not traveling.

0:32But, but, but...

0:34Budget cuts.

0:35There's not enough money for two.

0:38But can I borrow that travel book?

0:43To break the news means to tell someone bad news, something that will make them upset or sad.

0:52Breaking the news can be a hard thing to do, and so can hearing about it.