break the internet

Meaning

To 'break the internet' means to cause a massive sensation online, typically by releasing a highly anticipated piece of news, a shocking photo, or a viral video. It implies that so many people are talking about or searching for it that the internet's servers might crash. It is used metaphorically for extreme online popularity.

Examples

• The surprise reunion of the famous band is going to break the internet tonight.

  The surprise reunion of the famous band is going to break the internet tonight.

• Her stunning wedding dress photos literally broke the internet yesterday.

  Her stunning wedding dress photos literally broke the internet yesterday.

• Every time that actor posts a selfie, he manages to break the internet.

  Every time that actor posts a selfie, he manages to break the internet.

• The tech company's unexpected product launch broke the internet.

  The tech company's unexpected product launch broke the internet.

• They hoped the controversial music video would break the internet, but it barely got any views.

  They hoped the controversial music video would break the internet, but it barely got any views.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The news broke down the internet.

  ✓ The news broke the internet.

  Do not add the preposition 'down'. The idiom is simply 'break the internet'.

• ✗ The video broke internet last week.

  ✓ The video broke the internet last week.

  Always include the definite article 'the' before 'internet'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If those two celebrities get back together, it will absolutely ___.

  💡 Cause an absolute frenzy online

  Show answer

  break the internet

• Her shocking announcement during the live stream nearly ___.

  💡 Past tense of the phrase meaning to cause a huge online sensation

  Show answer

  broke the internet