break cover

The idiom 'break cover' can be used both literally and figuratively, describing sudden emergence from hiding or revealing true intentions.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(informal)To suddenly emerge from a place of hiding or protection.

Example

The deer broke cover when it sensed danger.
We had to break cover as the enemy approached.

B2Figurative

(idiomatic)To reveal one's true thoughts, intentions, or position after being secretive.

Example

The politician broke cover and admitted to supporting the new policy.
Several employees broke cover to expose the company's unethical practices.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break cover":

break in break out break with break open break away break ranks blow someone's cover break into break through break rigor crack out pickup cover break the silence cover up cover story break and enter break the mold word break break bad break the story break even break down bust out escape hatch break ground hide behind crack through crack open under the covers break off