What does this idiom mean: "Give me a break"?

[Dollies]

Hi everybody,

I would like to know what exactly "give me a break" means? Could you give me an example? Thank you all.

[me]

It's like somebody's telling you something you don't agree/believe/think is true or bragging usually in an humorous manner... and you say "Man...pfft,., give me a major break now".

"Hey please, when you're going to give me a break?"

"Hey bro, take these suit-cases to the upstairs for me?"
"Gimme a break, their too heavy, carry your own."

[Haihao]

Hi,

Just out of curiosity (I know there is a risk of 'curiosity killed the cat' :) ), I would like to know if the break in give me a break refers to rest or a special favor (such as tax break)? Thank you.

haihao

[Yankee]

Hi Haihao

That's an interesting question. I think there's an element of both meanings in the expression "Give me a break" since a rewording might be something like this:
"Do me a huge favor and stop talking about something so unbelievable."

I've also heard people say "Give it a break". This might be said to someone if you're tired of hearing them talk about something repeatedly and want them to stop. Another version of this expression is "Give it a rest".

These are informal expressions and I'm not sure how often they might also be used in Britain.

Amy
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[Alan]

Hi Haihao,

You're right. The idea of 'break' has often the suggestion of pause or gap creating some kind of relief. The expressions: Give it a break/Give me a break/Give it a rest all point the same way towards the idea of: 'Stop I've had enough' here in Britain.

A
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[Prezbucky]

Me,

The following are some revised editions of your examples:

"Man...pfft,., give me a break." ("major break" is rare... and "now" is unnecessary)

"Hey please, when are you going to give me a break?" ("you're" would be used in a declarative sentence)

"Hey bro, take these suitcases upstairs for me." (not a question, but declarative)
"Gimme a break, they're too heavy. Carry your own." (they're = they are)
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