waste breath
To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't waste your breath arguing with him.”
“I tried to explain why the new policy was unfair, but I realized I was just wasting my breath.”
“The activist knew that debating the stubborn politician was merely wasting her breath, yet she felt compelled to speak her truth regardless.”
- 01
breath of fresh air
Something relieving, refreshing, or new.
- 02
don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
- 03
draw one's last breath
To die.
- 04
hold one's breath
To wait expectantly for something to happen soon.
- 05
save one's breath
To refrain from speech; to be quiet, especially where it would have no useful effect to speak.
- 06
take a breath
to inhale and subsequently exhale air
- 07
take a deep breath
To inhale deeply.
- 08
take someone's breath away
To make a person feel emotionally moved in a pleasant way.
Last updated August 10, 2026