ENGLISH
REFERENCE

waste breath

idiom
Meaning

To speak in a manner which is needless or futile; in discussion or argument to make points which are not appreciated or heeded.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't waste your breath arguing with him.

CONTEXTUAL

I tried to explain why the new policy was unfair, but I realized I was just wasting my breath.

COMPLEX

The activist knew that debating the stubborn politician was merely wasting her breath, yet she felt compelled to speak her truth regardless.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    breath of fresh air

    Something relieving, refreshing, or new.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    draw one's last breath

    To die.

  4. 04

    hold one's breath

    To wait expectantly for something to happen soon.

  5. 05

    save one's breath

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

  6. 06

    take a breath

    to inhale and subsequently exhale air

  7. 07

    take a deep breath

    To inhale deeply.

  8. 08

    take someone's breath away

    To make a person feel emotionally moved in a pleasant way.

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