break down

US /breɪk daʊn/
UK /breɪk daʊn/
"break down" picture
1.

to stop working (for a machine or vehicle)

:
•
My car broke down on the way to work.
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The washing machine broke down, so I have to wash clothes by hand.
:
failmalfunctionconk outgive outstop working
2.

to lose control of one's emotions and start crying

:
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She broke down in tears when she heard the news.
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He tried to stay strong, but eventually, he broke down.
:
collapseweepsobcrylose it
3.

to analyze or explain something in detail

:
•
Let's break down the problem into smaller parts.
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Can you break down the report for me?
:
analyzedissectitemizeexplainclarify
:
breakbreak-inbreak intobreak inbreak withdownbe down to