break a promise

English

Verb

break a promise (third-person singular simple present breaks a promise, present participle breaking a promise, simple past broke a promise, past participle broken a promise)

1. To fail to keep a promise.
   • 2023 June 14, “Network News: NR and SWR apologise as Ryde Pier reopening misses festival deadline”, in RAIL, number 985, page 11:

     Ryde Pier will remain closed to trains until July 10, Network Rail and South Western Railway have admitted. This means they will break a promise to have the pier reopened and trains running in time for the Isle of Wight Festival from June 15-18, one of the largest events in the island's tourism calendar.

References

• “break a promise”, in Collins English Dictionary.