ENGLISH
REFERENCE

breathe a word

idiom
Meaning

To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).


Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not breathe a word about the surprise party.

CONTEXTUAL

She promised not to breathe a word to anyone about the secret project we are working on.

COMPLEX

Although he knew the truth about the scandal, he dared not breathe a word to the press for fear of losing his career.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  2. 02

    breathe a sigh of relief

    to be relieved; to feel relief.

  3. 03

    breathe down someone's neck

    To follow or supervise someone too closely, causing discomfort for that person.

  4. 04

    breathe easy

    To relax or feel secure about something.

  5. 05

    breathe one's last

    To die.

  6. 06

    dicky

    [Cockney slang]word

  7. 07

    dirty word

    The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.

  8. 08

    eat, breathe, and sleep

    To devote one's time obsessively to.

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