have a breakthrough
Meaning(s)
1. make a sudden advance, overcome an obstacle
Popularity
High
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
have a breakthrough in talks/negotiations/your career
Analysis
A 'breakthrough' is a sudden development or discovery of importance. You can 'have a breakthrough' or 'make a breakthrough', which means to have been involved in the process of a breakthrough. This is a term used often to talk about scientific discoveries and significant research, but can be used to talk about more domestic issues also: "I made a breakthrough with my children today when one of them washed the dishes without being asked." Similar phrases include 'make a finding' and 'a major development.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The young footballer was having a breakthrough season, managing to establish himself as an integral part of the first team having started the season in the reserves.
- The Prime Minister has insisted that the peace talks are progressing well, and she hopes to have made a breakthrough by the time the ceasefire between the two warring countries ends.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- After many stumbling blocks and months of back and forth, there has finally been a breakthrough in the negotiations. It won't be long now before the two sides strike a deal.
- A breakthrough in scientific research means we may have a chemical compound to prevent aphids from destroying crops.