break open

break open

To suddenly and decisively take control of a competition. A noun or pronoun can be used between "break" and "open." The game was close through the first two periods, but then the other team broke it open by scoring two quick goals. We can break open this game if we score first.
See also: break, open
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • angle
  • angling
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • ask back
References in periodicals archive
The mother initially refused to let the firefighters break open the windows to free her son
Mum refuses to break open car window to free trapped son in sweltering 34C heat; The mother told firefighters to wait for a locksmith to free her two-year-old son as she didn't want her windows broken
"That's why the President has made it very clear, he will use the full power of the state to break open if need be the warehouses of rice hoarders," he added.
Duterte threatens to break open warehouses with hoarded rice and seize it
'Asian Tribune' found many of those busses do not keep such type of any hammer in their busses for the passengers to break open the rear glass panel to escape in case of emergency.
Accident prone public bus services in Sri Lanka
Alan Milburn, who wants to break open the closed shop, and, right, John Major
Jobs tsar aiming to end the 'old school tie' recruitment
Mr Mohammed said the thief had clearly come prepared to break open the 300kg safe.
300kg safe broken
The popular Point Break Open Water Challenge kicks off on 10 March 2013 at Lake Oanob Resort.
Entries now open for swimming challenge
Thiruvananthapuram The stand-off between a village on the outskirts of Kerala's capital and the state government yesterday entered a new phase, with the state government using its powers to break open the lock to the garbage treatment facility in the village.
Kerala uses force to reopen waste treatment facility
In the spot, the DQ spokesperson explains that at Dairy Queen "we don't just have pinatas; we have pinatas filled with Mary Lou Retton." He then proceeds to hit the pinata causing it to break open and Retton tumbles out.
Dairy Queen
So in my desperate state I was just about to break open the Jammy Dodgers in exchange for a cuddle when something wonderful happened..
Cuddle meant there was no need for a biscuit bribe
Camille has such a gift for making scripture come alive and provides yet another reason for allowing women to break open the Word at Mass.
Put Alice in the pulpit!
RESTAURANT owners Mario Gizzi and Tony Conetta have had two reasons to break open the champagne.
RECIPE FOR DOUBLE JOY
A THIEF was caught after his credit card got stuck in the door he was trying to break open.
A snappy burglary
Demolition contractors working at the site had break open the rear of the car wash to allow firefighters access.
Bling blaze