No time for secrets when forced to take a break (6)
I believe the answer is:
recess
'take a break' is the definition.
(to recess is to go on a break)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for recess that I've seen before include "School break - niche" , "Alcove - school break" , "Niche or intermission" , "Parliamentary downtime" , "Closed period for parliament" .)