break the deadlock

present singular third person breaks the deadlock · participle present breaking the deadlock · past broke the deadlock · participle past broken the deadlock

1. idiomatichobbiesTo score the first goal or point in a competition.

   Sterling was once again England's key figure, as he was in the Euros, scoring the goal that broke the deadlock before setting up the second for Kane.

   2021 September 2, Phil McNulty, “Hungary 0-4 England”, in BBC

   2 more examples

   The Gunners continued to press after the break but it was Leeds who broke the deadlock in the 54th minute. There was no doubt about the penalty either, with Denilson clumsily fouling Gradel and Snodgrass stepping up to find the bottom corner of the net.

   2011 January 8, Chris Bevan, “Arsenal 1 - 1 Leeds”, in BBC

   However, Colombia broke the deadlock, Leicy Santos toying with Rachel Daly after collecting Caicedo’s pass, before sweeping a dipping effort over a caught-out Mary Earps. It was a luscious finish and the crowd enjoyed it.

   2023 August 12, Suzanne Wrack, “England hit back to beat Colombia and set up World Cup semi with Australia”, in The Guardian