break one's wrists

phrase

: to turn the wrists as part of the swing of a club or bat

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of break one's wrists was in 1941

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break (one's) stride

break one's wrists

break open

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Style

“Break one's wrists.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/break%20one%27s%20wrists. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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break one's wrists

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