tough break (uncountable)
- (idiomatic) A situation resulting in misfortune or hardship; an instance of bad luck.
1998, Cal Ripken, Mike Bryan, The Only Way I Know, Penguin Publishing Group, page 389:So I close by saying that I might have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for.
2014, Frederick Nebel, Will Murray, Tough as Nails, Head of Zeus, page 30:When you pulled that job in Westchester two years ago, I'll admit you got a tough break.
Interjection
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tough break
- (idiomatic) An interjection of mild or insincere sympathy for someone else's misfortune.
1966, Charles Dizenzo, A Great Career, Dramatists Play Service, page 16:Tough break, Linda.
- 1990, Rickley S. Christian, Alive 2, Campus Life Books, page 120:
- My reaction? Tough break, chump.
Synonyms
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