Thing that breaks when it falls? (5)

I believe the answer is:

night

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'thing that breaks when it falls?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'thing that breaks' is the wordplay.
'that breaks' indicates an anagram.
'thing' is an anagram of 'NIGHT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for night that I've seen before include "Ignorance" , "Time for bed" , "What proverbially follows day" , "Time of darkness" , "Hours of darkness" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.