break down

What it means

To stop working, especially of a machine or vehicle. It can also mean to lose control of your emotions and start crying, or to separate something into smaller, simpler parts to understand it better.

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Examples

• My car broke down on the way to work this morning.
• She broke down in tears when she heard the news about her grandfather.
• Let me break down the costs so you can see where the money goes.
• Talks between the two countries broke down after only two days.

Where it comes from

Mostly intransitive. The noun 'breakdown' (one word) refers to a mechanical failure, an emotional collapse, or a detailed analysis. Tone depends on context.

Related phrasal verbs