🗓️ Idiom: Break the Mould (v)
💬 Meaning
- To do something in a completely new or innovative way.
- To depart from traditional patterns or conventions.
🧠 Example Sentences
- Her approach to teaching breaks the mould by integrating technology in every lesson.
- The CEO’s strategy aims to break the mould and revolutionize the industry.
- In his speech, he broke the mould by addressing topics rarely discussed in public forums.
🏛️ Origin
The phrase “break the mould” originates from the act of destroying a mould used in casting (pouring metal into a cast) to prevent identical copies from being made. This practice dates back to the 13th century. It emerged in the 16th century to describe actions that go against conventional patterns.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
His innovative approach to marketing truly __________ in the industry.
Answer
breaks the mould
2. Multiple choice:
What does the idiom “break the mould” mean?
a) To do something in a completely new or innovative way
b) To copy an existing method exactly
c) To repair or fix something broken
Answer
a) To do something in a completely new or innovative way
3. Change the sentence using “break the mould”:
Her method of teaching is unique and different from others.
Answer
Her method of teaching breaks the mould.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
📚 Learning Resources
👉 Idioms for Presentations and Speeches
👉 Business English Idioms List
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⭐️ Extras
Rob is a CELTA qualified English teacher with 15 years of international experience. He has a BSc and PGDip from Loughborough and St Andrews universities in the UK. He has taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia and now works with professionals worldwide.
