clean break
Complete decisive split
A clean break is a complete and decisive separation, whether from a relationship, situation, or the past.
The phrase emphasizes finality—no lingering ties, unresolved issues, or gradual tapering off.
After the divorce, she wanted a clean break and moved across the country.
In medicine, a clean break describes a bone fracture where the bone separates completely without splintering, which typically heals more predictably than a compound fracture.
Chance to start again
- fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- renewalMaking current again
- starting overBeginning again from scratch
turning point · new chapter · reinvention · transformation · reset · blank slate · second chance · liberation
Termination pay or disconnection
- separationState of being apart
- divorceLegal end of matrimony
- splitSeparation into parts
- terminationAct of ending something
closure · finality · parting · departure · disconnection · detachment · estrangement · rift
Split in hard material
- boneHard skeletal tissue
- snapSudden sharp sound
- splintDevice immobilizing injured limbs
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
orthopedic · reset · immobilize · mend · knit · callus · recovery · rehabilitation
new beginning
Chance to start again
- fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- renewalMaking current again
starting over · turning point · new chapter · reinvention · transformation · reset · blank slate · second chance · liberation · freedom
severance
Termination pay or disconnection
- separationState of being apart
- divorceLegal end of matrimony
- splitSeparation into parts
termination · closure · finality · parting · departure · disconnection · detachment · estrangement · rift · dissolution
fracture
Split in hard material
cast · orthopedic · reset · immobilize · mend · knit · callus · recovery · rehabilitation · physiotherapy
- damagecrack, fracture, dent, gash, gouge
- quittingquit, resign, resignation, stop, end
- breakbreakaway, breakdown, breakout, breakthrough, breakup
- independencefreedom, liberty, Independence Day, autonomy, sovereignty
- BrexitBrexit, leave, remain, no deal, backstop
- marriage lawmarriage contract, divorce decree, marriage certificate, matrimony, divorce petition
clean breakon-again off-again
Alternating between active and inactive
entanglement · unfinished business · emotional baggage · codependency · it's complicated
clean breakslow burn
Gradual buildup of rage
death by a thousand cuts · slow fade · ghosting · fizzling out
clean, break, cleans, cleaned, cleaning, cleaner, cleanest, cleanly, cleanliness