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I hate to break it to you

ExpressionLevel B2

A polite way to start telling someone news they may not like.

I hate to break it to you, but the shop is closed today.

'I hate to break it to you, but…' softens news the listener may not want to hear. Put 'but' and the news after it.

Comic strip. Diego: I think I'm the best singer in class! Mei: I hate to break it to you, but… Diego: But what? Was it the high note? Steventeacher: Great softener! Use it before bad news. Kindly, Mei!
Steventeacher explains “I hate to break it to you”.
Your turn
What news would you start with 'I hate to break it to you'?

More expressions

by all meansExpression · B2

A polite way to say 'yes, of course, please do'.

chances areExpression · B1

It is likely that something is true or will happen.

Don't get me wrongExpression · B1

A phrase you say before a 'but' to stop someone from misunderstanding you.