break down
(stop working)
- My car broke down, and I had to push it off the road.
(fail to progress or be successful)
- Talks with management broke down completely.
(lose control of your emotions)
- Ruby just broke down and cried when she saw the violence.
(separate into parts)
- Let’s break down the problem into small, manageable parts.
(smash down)
- The police had to break down the door to get into the flat.
(become mentally ill)
- When her husband died, she broke down completely.