  In the weak coupling limit of ${\rm SU}(N)$ Yang-Mills theory and the ${\rm
O}(N)$ vector model, explicit state counting allows us to demonstrate the
existence of a partially deconfined phase: $M$ of $N$ colors deconfine, and
$\frac{M}{N}$ gradually grows from zero (confinement) to one (complete
deconfinement). We point out that the mechanism admits a simple interpretation
in the form of spontaneous breaking of gauge symmetry. In terms of the dual
gravity theory, such breaking occurs during the formation of a black hole. We
speculate whether the breaking and restoration of gauge symmetry can serve as
an alternative definition of the deconfinement transition in theories without
center symmetry, such as QCD. We also discuss the role of the color degrees of
freedom in the emergence of the bulk geometry in holographic duality.
