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?

Examples of give (someone) a break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some stayed open to give a break to the protesters from the dangerous cold, providing water, coffee, snacks and hand warmer packets. — Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

Being able to give a break to Davis and James (17 points on seven-for-13 shooting plus 11 assists) was a victory within a victory in Reaves’ mind. — Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2023

As a result, Paramore placed a hard limit on the tour in support of After Laughter and decided to give a break a try. — Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2022

Wolf, a lead researcher on the study, says that those rituals give a break from the stresses of the day to both child and caregiver. — Hannah Reyes Morales, National Geographic, 18 Nov. 2020

Lightweight collapsible pots prevent whales from pirating pricey black cod from longline hooks and give a break to small boats. — Anchorage Daily News, 22 Oct. 2020

Most of the tax-free shopping days give a break on sales tax for items related to school like clothing, shoes, electronics and supplies. — Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 18 July 2020