broken field: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Specialized (Sports Journalism, Military Tactics), occasionally used in business/metaphorical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “broken field” mean?
An area of ground, especially in sports like rugby or American football, where the defensive formation has been disrupted, creating open space for offensive players to advance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An area of ground, especially in sports like rugby or American football, where the defensive formation has been disrupted, creating open space for offensive players to advance.
More broadly, any situation or environment that is disordered, unpredictable, or lacks a clear structure, requiring improvisation and agility to navigate successfully.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, strongly associated with rugby union/league. In US English, strongly associated with American football. The metaphorical use is more common in US business/management jargon.
Connotations
UK: Sporting prowess, individual brilliance. US: Strategic advantage, evasive action.
Frequency
Higher frequency in sports commentary in both regions. Metaphorical use is low-frequency but recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “broken field” in a Sentence
[Player] found/exploited/hit a broken field.The play developed into a broken field situation.He is excellent in/at running in broken field.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “broken field” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scrum-half broke the gain line and found himself in broken field.
- He excels at broken-field running.
American English
- The quarterback avoided the sack and scrambled into broken field.
- Her broken-field run gained 40 yards.
adverb
British English
- He ran broken-field, dodging three tacklers.
American English
- She moved broken-field through the crowded market.
adjective
British English
- His broken-field prowess won the match.
- It was a classic piece of broken-field play.
American English
- The broken-field drill focuses on agility.
- He's a broken-field specialist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Navigating a broken field of new regulations requires agility.
Academic
The study examines decision-making in the broken field of crisis management.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation unless discussing sports.
Technical
The drone's algorithm is designed for navigation in broken-field terrain.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “broken field”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “broken field”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broken field”
- Using 'broken field' to describe a damaged agricultural field (use 'ploughed field' or 'rutted field').
- Using it as an adjective before a noun without a hyphen (e.g., 'broken field running' should be 'broken-field running').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a noun phrase. You can 'run in broken field' or 'exploit a broken field'.
It is less common but possible, often replaced by 'in space' or 'on the counter-attack'. It's more typical in rugby and American football.
'Open field' simply means no defenders are directly ahead. 'Broken field' implies the defensive structure has actively been disrupted, with defenders present but out of position.
Yes. Positively, it describes an opportunity for the attacker. Negatively, it describes a defensive failure or a chaotic, hard-to-navigate environment.
An area of ground, especially in sports like rugby or American football, where the defensive formation has been disrupted, creating open space for offensive players to advance.
Broken field is usually specialized (sports journalism, military tactics), occasionally used in business/metaphorical contexts. in register.
Broken field: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrəʊ.kən ˈfiːld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbroʊ.kən ˈfild/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Broken-field runner (n.): a player skilled at advancing in such conditions.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a rugby player (UK) or a football running back (US) sprinting through a field where the defensive players are lying on the ground, 'broken' and unable to form a solid wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROBLEM IS A PHYSICAL LANDSCAPE / OPPORTUNITY IS OPEN SPACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'broken field' LEAST likely to be used?