Cracking
'krækɪŋ
Definitions
3 meaningsTo break or split something, especially with a sharp sound.
'kræk
To break or cause to break with a sudden, sharp sound.
The lightning cracked, followed by a clap of thunder.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to break a cookie. If it snaps in two with a 'crack,' you've cracked it! It's like a sudden break or split.
👶 For kids: To break something so it makes a noise!
More Examples
The old vase cracked when it fell off the shelf.
The ice on the lake began to crack in the spring.
How It's Used
"The ice cracked under the skater's weight."
"The earthquake caused the building's foundation to crack."
To solve or overcome a difficult problem or task.
'kræk
To overcome (a problem).
The detective finally cracked the case after months of investigation.
💡 Simply: If you 'crack' a puzzle or a secret code, it means you've figured it out! It's like solving a tough problem that seemed impossible at first.
👶 For kids: To figure out how to solve a puzzle or a secret.
More Examples
They worked tirelessly to crack the complex mathematical problem.
The hackers managed to crack the website's security.
How It's Used
"The team cracked the encryption code."
"She finally cracked the case after weeks of investigation."
(Informal, British) Excellent; very good.
'krækɪŋ
Excellent or first-rate.
We had a cracking holiday in Spain.
💡 Simply: If something is 'cracking', it means it's really good, awesome, or fantastic! It's like saying 'Wow, that's amazing!'
👶 For kids: Really, really good! Awesome!
More Examples
She gave a cracking performance in the play.
The food at the restaurant was cracking.
How It's Used
"That's a cracking idea!"
"We had a cracking time at the party."
Idioms & expressions
crack a smile
To begin to smile.
"Despite the bad news, he managed to crack a smile."
crack a joke
To tell a joke.
"He cracked a joke to lighten the mood."
crack under pressure
To give way or fail because of stress or pressure.
"He cracked under the pressure of the deadline."
From Middle English *crakken*, from Old English *cracian* (to make a sharp, sudden noise).
The word 'crack' has been used since Old English, originally referring to a sharp sound or split.
Memory tip
Think of an eggshell cracking open – the sound and the sudden break.