As hospitals across Britain reach breaking point, NHS bosses have come up with a new plan.
at/close to/stretched to (the) breaking point »The city's transport system is already stretched to breaking point.
The mule's back was strained to the breaking point with masses of bundles and straw.
2. Fig. the point at which nerves or one's mental state can endure no more. •My nerves are at the breaking point.
1. физ. разрушающее (механическое) напряжение
2. хим. точка осветления или расслоения (жидкости)