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What is the difference between "making a bid for freedom" and "making a break for freedom"? In which situations would one use one and not the other?

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1 Answer

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In the context you're referencing, a bid is

an attempt or effort to achieve something

whereas a break is

• a rush or dash in a particular direction, esp. by an attacking player or team : he made a bounce pass for a basket on the break in the second quarter.
• a breakout, esp. from prison.

The distinction is that a bid may or may not risk anything, whereas a break often risks much or all.

[References from NOAD]

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Hmm - it's worth noting that a bid is very literally when you propose a price to be paid for something, whether a bet like stock options, or for purchase at an auction. (I think any attempt at freedom carries a price, a risk, you're putting something on the line - psychologically or otherwise!) A "break for..." is indeed when you break out of some situation, physical or metaphorical. I had to break for freedom from my aged mother; on the other metaphor anytime you take a business risk to achieve more independence, that's a bid for freedom (it's pricey, and risky too). – Joe Blow Jul 10 '11 at 16:26
In a bid for freedom, you are putting up some of your own wealth/time/etc in a bid for freedom. The "bid" is how much you're putting on the line. (Eg: "Well I've quit my job, and put $50,000 on the line in my bid for freedom in a new life running a coffee shop.") Whereas in a break for freedom, you're about to destroy a prison, marriage, or other physical or social institution so that you can be free. (Indeed you may be eg. shot attempting to escape in the process.) – Joe Blow Jul 10 '11 at 16:30

protected by RegDwighт♦ Dec 5 '12 at 14:24

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