break through

to pass through a barrier

• The sun broke through the clouds.
• The sun at last broke through about noon.
• Our army broke through the enemy defenses.
• They attempted to break through the enemy line.
• Your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds.
• The crowd got out of control and broke through the fence.
• Our combined fleet broke through the enemy's defense zone.
• The submarine had to break through a thin sheet of ice to surface.
• Though the enemy's defenses were strong, we tried to break through.
• The good old man broke through the ice with the horse, and fell into the cold water.
• Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.