In technical analysis, a trendline is like a road that the price of a stock, currency, or other asset follows. Imagine it as a path where the price keeps bouncing up and down. This bouncing happens because of statistical probability – just like how certain things tend to happen again and again. However, that these bounces aren't always successful. Sometimes, the price can break past the trendline, like a car veering off its path. This is called a breakout. When a breakout occurs, it often signals a significant change in the direction of the price movement. Traders use breakouts to make decisions about buying or selling assets based on whether they think the breakout will continue or if it's just a temporary detour.