General
breaking ankles
What does breaking ankles mean?
Beating a defender with a dribble move so sharp it causes them to slip or stumble.
"He's out here breaking ankles at the park."
Origin
Streetball culture; the crossover 'breaks' the defender's ankles.
Frequently asked questions
What does breaking ankles mean?
It means beating a defender with a dribble move so sharp that they slip, stumble, or fall trying to keep up.
Does breaking ankles actually injure anyone?
No, it's figurative — the defender just loses their footing or falls; no real injury is implied.
Where did breaking ankles come from?
It comes from streetball culture, where a nasty crossover is said to 'break' the defender's ankles.
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