# until one is blue in the face

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/until-one-is-blue-in-the-face
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

For a hopelessly long time; used especially in respect to discussing, explaining, insisting, etc.

## Examples

- You can argue until you're blue in the face.
- He explained the rules until he was blue in the face, but they still didn't understand.
- She warned them until she was blue in the face about the risks, yet they ignored her and went ahead anyway.

## Origin

By figurative extension from the concept of being literally out of breath (from talking so much, exerting oneself so much, and so on), which may sometimes cause one's face to look wan. (disputed)

---

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.