break one's duck
Originating from cricket, "break one's duck" now broadly means achieving something for the first time, often after a period of failure.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic, British)To achieve something for the first time, especially after a period of failure or lack of success.
Example
- After months of job hunting, he finally broke his duck by landing a great position.
B2Sports
(idiomatic)To score one's first point, goal, or run in a game or competition.
Example
- The striker broke his duck with a stunning goal in the second half.
C1Cricket
(technical)To score one's first run in an innings.
Example
- The batsman finally broke his duck with a quick single to the leg side.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break one's duck":