# save one's breath

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/save-ones-breath
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To refrain from speech; to be quiet, especially where it would have no useful effect to speak.

## Examples

- Save your breath, he will not listen to you.
- I tried to explain the rules to him, but I eventually realized I should save my breath.
- Recognizing that the committee had already reached a firm decision, she chose to save her breath rather than argue a point they would surely ignore.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.