crack

Definition

  • verb: to break (something) so that there are lines in its surface but it is usually not separated into pieces
  • verb: to make a very sharp explosive sound
  • often + 'in'
  • synonyms: distract, craze, snap

Examples

  • Parents are concerned that children who have trouble in school will 'fall through the cracks' in the school system. [=will not be given the help they need; will graduate without anyone noticing that they are unable to do the work]

  • The program is meant to help workers who may have 'slipped through the cracks' [=who may have not been included in other programs] because of their age.

  • You ought to 'get cracking' [='get going; get moving'] on that assignment. [=you should start working on that assignment right away]

Movie quotes

  • (..) Four max. - Where're you gonna get that? - From you. - You think so? - Yeah. This could crack open... the facilitator Maya's been looking for, by giving us a phone number. She's your killer, Wolf, you put her on the field. Come on. (..)
    2012 Zero Dark Thirty