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English in a Minute: Break the News

English in a Minute: Break the News

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Welcome to English In A Minute.

News can be any information that is, well, new to someone.

But what does it mean to break the news?

So are you all ready for our big work trip to Brazil?

I just bought a new travel shirt, travel sunglasses, and this travel guidebook.

Andrew, I hate to break the news,

but I'm going to be the first to know

I hate to break the news, but you're not traveling. But, but, but. Budget cuts.

There's not enough money for two.

But can I borrow that travel book?

To break the news means to tell someone

bad news, something that will make them upset or sad.

Breaking the news can be a hard thing to do,

and so can hearing about it.