- 1[countable] crack (in something) a line on the surface of something where it has broken but not split into separate parts This cup has a crack in it. Cracks began to appear in the walls. (figurative) The cracks (= faults) in the government's economic policy are already beginning to show.
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narrow opening - 2[countable] a narrow space or opening She peeped through the crack in the curtains. The door opened a crack (= a small amount).
- 3[countable] a sudden loud noise a crack of thunder the sharp crack of a rifle shot hit
- 4[countable] crack (on something) a sharp blow that can be heard She fell over and got a nasty crack on the head. attempt
- 5[countable] crack (at something) crack (at doing something) (informal) an occasion when you try to do something synonym attempt She hopes to have another crack at the world record this year. drug
- 6(also crack cocaine) [uncountable] a powerful, illegal drug that is a form of cocaine a crack addict joke
- 7[countable] (informal) a joke, especially a critical one He made a very unfair crack about her looks. Idioms
break
very early in the morning I have to get up at the crack of dawn.
to be forgotten or missed by a system or program that was organized to deal with a particular situation Fatherless kids were not allowed to fall through the cracks. In spite of excellent quality control, some faulty goods always manage to slip through the cracks.
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