break one's fast
The phrase 'break one's fast' originates from the practice of eating after a period of abstaining from food, often overnight or for religious or medical reasons.
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Definition
B2General
(formal)To eat for the first time after not eating for a period, typically overnight.
Example
- After waking up, she went to the kitchen to break her fast with a hearty breakfast.
C1Religious or Medical
(formal)To consume food or drink after a period of intentional abstinence for religious or medical reasons.
Example
- He broke his fast at sunset after a day of fasting during Ramadan.
- The doctor advised her to break her fast with light foods after the medical procedure.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break one's fast":