English Profile

crack · verb I or T

/kræk/Full view

crack

B2 to break something so that very thin lines appear on its surface but it does not separate, or to become broken in this way

Dictionary examples:

A stone hit the window and cracked the glass.

I cracked my tooth when I fell.

The walls cracked and the roof collapsed in the earthquake.

Learner example:

The bottom tank cracked and the sea-water poured into the tank and further into the engine-room. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

crack a joke

C1 to tell a joke

Dictionary example:

He seemed very relaxed, laughing and cracking jokes.

Learner example:

Many members will get the chance to show their talent and we will get to crack some jokes too! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

crack down

C2 to start dealing with bad or illegal behavior in a more severe way

Dictionary example:

Police are cracking down on crime in the area.

Learner example:

Introducing a totally new policy, dismissing the members of the parliament and cracking down on the leftist underworld, he proved to be a person really dedicated [to] the country. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

crack up

C2 to become mentally ill

Dictionary example:

We're worried he'll crack up completely if he doesn't get help.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, one must also bear in mind the fact that, since Douglas was overworked, Olivia had a tedious, boring life and was about to crack up, when the Nawab came to res[c]ue her. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

crack (sb) up

C2 to laugh a lot or to make someone laugh a lot

Dictionary example:

His impressions of my Dad really crack me up.

Learner example:

One film that I found hilariously funny was "Meet the Parents." Directed by Frank Oz, this film has all the qualifications to make someone crack up. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

crack · noun

/kræk/

crack

C2 C a line on the surface of something that is damaged

Dictionary example:

Several cups had cracks in them.

Learner example:

Behind the glass doors you could see a Chinese tea-set totally unsuitable for tea drinking as all the cups had cracks but I wasn't allowed to throw [it] away because it had been presented by some relative and that was enough to turn it into an everlasting treasure. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

the crack of dawn

C2 very early in the morning

Dictionary example:

He gets up at the crack of dawn.

Learner example:

From the crack of dawn until bed time citizens have to breathe all kinds of gas coming out of cars, [motor]bikes or [factor]ies. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)