broken clasp

Latch that failed

A broken clasp is a fastener that no longer functions—on jewelry, bags, bras, or other items requiring secure closure.

The phrase appears literally when describing damaged hardware: The necklace fell off because of a broken clasp.

Figuratively rare, but the image suggests something that should hold together but doesn't.

Related

safety catch · jewelry · necklace · bracelet · unfastened · damaged · snapped · loose · repair · fix · hinge · jewelry repair · catch · bent · metal · closure · disconnected · fallen

Family

broken, clasp, break, breaks, breaking, broke, unbroken, breakage, clasps

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G