break the silence

To start talking in a conversation after a period where nobody speaks. / To state an opinion on a subject that has been taboo for a period of time.

Japanese Meaning

長い沈黙の後、会話を始めること。 / 誰も話さない状態を破り、会話や議論を開始すること。 / タブーとされた話題について初めて意見を述べること。

After several awkward minutes, Maria decided to break the silence and ask if everyone was all right.

数分の気まずい沈黙の後、マリアは沈黙を破って皆が無事かどうか尋ねた。

Sense（1）

To start talking in a conversation after a period where nobody speaks.

Sense（2）

To state an opinion on a subject that has been taboo for a period of time.

breaks the silence

（ present singular third-person ）

breaking the silence

（ participle present ）

broke the silence

（ past ）

broken the silence

（ participle past ）