Meaning of break gates | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To enter an Oxford or Cambridge college enclosure after the hour to which a student has been restricted.
   UK, dated, idiomatic
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break, gates.

Examples

“He broke gates to-day; and then there was something that Grove did'nt seem inclined to be very explicit about.”

“From 12½ to past 2 at a College meeting: we rusticated 'sine die', an ill-conducted idle reckless vagabond named Moore — he had been gated, but he broke gates, shirked Sunday Evening Chapel & went to a Hotel to drink & smoke till they shut up the house & turned him out: —we did a good deal of Bursarial work.”

“Students were frequently caught by the proctors and bulldogs for breaking gates ( i.e. going absent without leave ) .”

“I have had horses break gates with me , and that both with and without getting a fall ; but candour must make me allow I never rode at one contemplating such a result ;”

CEFR level