Gimme a break!

Posted by ESC on November 14, 2003

In Reply to: Gimme a break! posted by SR on November 13, 2003

: Any ideas on the origin of 'Gimme a Break' or 'Give me a break?'

1929 -- Give the guy a break. From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.

From Merriam-Webster online: break -- 9c favorable consideration or treatment. A tax break. A break on the price.

The first time I remember hearing "Gimme a break" it was spoken by the little girl, Gertie, in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"