give (someone) a break

phrase

: to stop treating (someone) in a strict or harsh way
Don't criticize him so much. He's doing the best he can. Why don't you give him a break?

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Cite this Entry

“Give (someone) a break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20%28someone%29%20a%20break. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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