given someone a break

Verb

give someone a break (third-person singular simple present gives someone a break, present participle giving someone a break, simple past gave someone a break, past participle given someone a break)

1. (idiomatic, imperative) To stop harassing or demanding from someone.
   • “Oh, give me a break, sport. You want to pick my brain but you're not going ^([sic]) give me anything in return? What's up with that?”2003, Alecia Alexander, Everybody's a Critic, page 105
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To allow someone a respite.
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: To provide someone with an opportunity for advancement.