Break down in tears

SOB

This emotional outburst often comes with loud, gasping breaths and might follow bad news or frustration. Think of a short, sharp sound you’d hear from someone overwhelmed.

"Break down in tears" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to a word that means to cry uncontrollably. The answer is "SOB," which is a short, informal term for weeping or gasping while crying. It’s a direct match—no wordplay or hidden meanings here, just a simple synonym for emotional breakdown. The clue relies on the common phrase "break down," which often describes someone starting to sob.