What does “crack open” mean in English?

Crack open means to open a bottle, can, or package — often a drink, and often for a celebration. In the clip, a character says, “We could crack that baby open and drink it in the bathroom,” about a hidden bottle of wine. “Crack” usually means “to break,” but here it simply means “open,” with a sense of excitement: you are finally getting to enjoy something you have been waiting for.

You can crack open a bottle, a can of soda, or even a book — “crack open a textbook” before an exam. It often suggests a small, fun rule-break, like opening something at the wrong time or place, as in this clip’s hidden office bottle. Notice “that baby” in the clip too: English speakers sometimes call an object “baby” in a playful way, especially something that excites them.