break fall

break (one's) fall

To interrupt, prevent, or soften one's fall, either physically or figuratively. She stumbled off the balcony, but luckily, a hedge below her broke her fall. Be careful not to alienate your friends as you climb to the top of the company, because if things don't work out, you'll have no one there to break your fall.
See also: break, fall
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

break someone's fall

to cushion a falling person; to lessen the impact of a falling person. When the little boy fell out of the window, the bushes broke his fall. The old lady slipped on the ice, but a snowbank broke her fall.
See also: break, fall
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • break (one's) fall
  • break one's fall
  • fall to pieces
  • fall from grace
  • fall from grace, to
  • fall by the wayside
  • fall by the wayside, to
  • fall off
  • fallen
  • slide over
References in periodicals archive
"I do martial arts and we wouldn't break fall like that, that was a fall that could have caused many injuries, I highly doubt it was fake!"
Gemma Collins shown 'falling on purpose' as Dancing On Ice fans claim she 'faked' plunge; Dancing On Ice star Gemma Collins appears to throw herself onto the ice in a slow motion video replay
"We do have to take players' workload into consideration, and there are going to be times in top league teams where players suffer from some sort of physical and mental fatigue, but I think it's a bit unfair if all the expectations to give thethe expectations to give the player a little bit of a break fall on my shoulders.
Rooney wasn't set Rooney wasn't set for the hook, for the hook, says Hodgson
We do have to take players' workload into consideration, and there are going to be times in top league teams where players suffer from some sort of physical and men tal fatigue, but I think it's a bit unfair if all the expectations to give the player a little bit of a break fall on my shoulders.
England boss says: I had to rest Raheem; ESTONIA 0 ENGLAND 1 ANALYSIS AND REACTION Substitute Sterling suffering from physical and mental tiredness
Strolling along country park with hands in pockets, tripped over a stone and could not put hands out to break fall, fell face forward onto gravel path
SLACKS ATTACKS
"It's a bit unfair if all the expectations to give that player a bit of a break fall on my shoulders.
When currency is measured in wins Roy must beware devaluing Sterling; ESTONIA 0 ENGLAND 1
The international break falls at the right time for him."
I WANT CHELSEA TO BE STOKES CITY! Lampard says Ashes hero can be an inspiration to his squad even though explaining cricket to Blues'
For most major colleges and universities, spring break falls between February and April.
Big Rigs a Big Problem During Spring Break
TOP BREAK falls, but stamina if you want above the You can Holmes churning hard could but CITALIA (01293 765 066, www.citalia.com), is offering a 10-night holiday to Florence and Tuscany from PS945pp.
TOP BREAK
Leading up to the WSU game, James was made to do up-downs - usually reserved as a punitive measure - to show athletic trainers that he could break falls with his arms despite the elbow injury.
James feels fine and back in a 'flow'
For many specialist family solicitors, the Christmas break falls in the middle of a season of ill-will between couples and former partners, often ending up being resolved by the courts.
Divorces are likely after the holidays; Cases can treble at this time
Because ice skating occurs on a low friction surface, attempts to break falls with the arms and hands are often unsuccessful.
Skating injuries
But the reality of New Street station, the supermarket check-out and the office coffee break falls away when you enter the alternative universe that is the hardcore, pumping iron gym.
PERSPECTIVE: Mirror, mirror on your wall; Sid Langley suggests a lifestyle exercise in a meditation on mirrors
5 If the Pill-free break falls at an inconvenient time - for example your honeymoon - it's safe to just keep on taking it.
The Sex Doctor: LITTLE WONDER; ISSUE OF THE WEEK: 10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE PILL
For more call 09050 700 436 Taurus April 21 - May 21 THIS is a short week for many as the Easter break falls at the end of it and having two four-day weeks shortens the time you have to impress someone at work.
stars WITH DAVID WELLS
The scouts all worked hard to achieve their badges, having to learn basic throws, hold downs and break falls.
Young floors rivals to take national title; Academy's boost as instructor Steph's success kicks in martial arts