into the breach

phrase

used with step/leap/jump (etc.) to indicate providing help that is badly needed, such as by doing a job when there is no one else available to do it
He stepped into the breach when the company needed new leadership.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Into the breach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/into%20the%20breach. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster