Why do we 'Take a break', instead of 'having' one? Surely the br

Question: Why do we 'Take a break', instead of 'having' one!? Surely the break stays where it is!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

According to Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable the phrase arose in the Second World War and derives from longer phrase "We've been working for two hours; let's take a break!." as in lets "take five minutes"!. The related phrase is "Take five"!.

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If you were 'having' a break it would imply that the break was always there and was yours!. But for the bulk of history this was patently not the case!. You only got a break when it was GIVEN to you by your boss!. He gave it, you took it!. There you go!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Obviously breaks are transferable, since you could certainly give me a break!. ;-)

"Take" comes from the perception that we are 'given' a certain amount of time, which we 'take' to do things, or not do things as is the case in a break!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

take a break is usualy in the context of work and it means just that, take a break from what your doin , have a breather , take 5Www@QuestionHome@Com

Taking a break is a choice!. Having a break, as in a broken arm, is forced upon you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You are essentially "taking"time from another project for yourself

but what about "take a dump"!.!. you defiantly aren't "taking" itWww@QuestionHome@Com

Don't know, except that we take pills, take a breather, go out to take some fresh air- it probably goes back centuries as languages change over time!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

american engish is odd like that!. it is why it is not always easy to learn as a second language!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Wow, that's a really good question!. I have no idea, I think it's just a linguistic habit!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Accepted 'borrowed' language

I am taking a tea breather!Www@QuestionHome@Com

cause we doWww@QuestionHome@Com