| 释义 |
Definition of breath in English: breathnoun brɛθbrɛθ mass noun1The air taken into or expelled from the lungs. 气息，呼出（或吸入的）空气 我大口喘气。 his breath smelled of garlic 他呼出来的气息有股大蒜味。 Example sentencesExamples - Hitting the hard ground, her breath rushed from her lungs and she was quickly surrounded by five angry faces.
- The collision easily knocked the breath out of him, so he just lied there, unmoving.
- She struggled to keep herself quiet as she took in breath after breath of air.
- As the oxygen mask reduced her need to gasp for breath, Mary relaxed a bit and reflected on her last, turbulent hour.
- What biomarkers of lung cancer did the electronic nose detect in breath?
- Cavity and maxillary sinus measurements were also obtained with mouth breathing and breath holding techniques.
- Gasping for breath at the top, I went into the bedroom and found that my respiration rate matched that of the patient.
- When in actuality, children need all of their breath in order to simply breathe.
- The crashing walls of the sea had knocked the breath from their lungs, and they struggled to reach the surface once more.
- This waif-like girl was sitting upright, gasping for breath with an oxygen cannula dripping blood.
- The sight she had just seen caused her to literally knock the breath out of her lungs.
- The remote fell out of my hand and breath rushed from my lungs.
- Arms flailing, he crashed to the floor, his breath blasted from his lungs.
- This knocked the breath from her lungs so violently she felt as though she would pass out.
- She burst through the top of the water and gasped loudly for breath, her lungs and face stinging from the cold.
- I winced as I saw his chest connect with the ground, knowing myself how it knocked the breath out of your lungs.
- I could feel the goosebumps upon my skin, the breath caught in my lungs in the presence of the devil before me.
- I fell to the hard forest floor, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs.
- Zander gasped for breath, his lungs burning for it, as Charlie landed another punch in his stomach.
- Vincent coughed, trying to catch the breath that his lungs were being denied.
- Holding your breath after inhaling helps your heart and lungs show up more clearly on the image.
- Makoto stood there gasping for breath and Kathy was breathing heavily but still was more alert than him.
- She took a few moments to gather enough breath to get anything audible out.
- For when I read the first few sentences, I was sure that the breath caught in my lungs and I almost dropped it.
- Clearly, flow limitation can occur throughout expiration or only over a portion of the expiratory breath.
- The force of the child's inhaled breath delivers the aerosolized powder into the lungs.
- He gasped for one last breath of air, his eyes widening and his body shaking, then dropped still, motionless.
- The measurement was taken as the best of three blows from total lung capacity with no breath hold.
- 1.1 An inhalation or exhalation of air from the lungs.
呼吸 she drew in a quick breath 她迅速吸了口气。 Example sentencesExamples - It was amazing what a few calm words and deep breaths can do for the heart and soul.
- Alex nodded, went back into the bathroom and took several deep, gulping breaths.
- He took a few deep, quiet breaths and looked away from her questioning, apprehensive expression.
- I did not let go of his hand as he took a few deep breaths, he was still shaking with pent up rage.
- Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, she swung her legs over the side of the cot and sat on the edge.
- She drew deep breaths and concentrated all of her attention on putting one foot in front of another.
- Checking for cars, he took a few deep breaths and figured out what he was going to say.
- She forced herself to take a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart and clear her mind.
- She had to breathe a couple of deep breaths before she could allow herself to talk about her mom.
- After taking a few deep, calming breaths, she really looked at the two children.
- I was taking shorter breaths and getting exhausted quicker than the average person.
- Alis felt her heart pound loudly against her chest, her breathing coming in soft but quick breaths.
- The boy stopped out of breath as he rested his hands on his knees and took in a few deep breaths.
- I walked into the kitchen and took a few deep breaths in the dark then turned on the light.
- When the treatment is finished, inhalation sedation wears off after a few deep breaths.
- These are beaches for walking and composing, for deep breaths and thoughts of God.
- He took a few deep breaths and realized it was a stain from something he drank a few days prior.
- I swallowed and began to take deep breaths to try to stop the fire in my chest.
- I have to take it in my stride and take a few deep breaths and manage it in the most mature way I can.
- She took several deep breaths and tried to settle the uneasiness in her chest.
Synonyms gulp of air, inhalation, inspiration exhalation, expiration sigh pant, gasp, wheeze technical respiration - 1.2archaic mass noun The power of breathing; life.
〈古〉呼吸能力，生命 Synonyms life, life force, animation, vital force - 1.3in singular A slight movement of air.
微风 the weather was balmy, not a breath of wind 天气温和，一丝风也没有。 Example sentencesExamples - She hastened her steps, for the wind was a breath of chilling air and she was anxious to get home and off of her tired feet.
- Heather holds sandy moraines together, its pink and white bells shivering in a breath of breeze.
- The sunshine passed away, and a breath of cold wind seemed to drift over us.
- The sun was pouring down, with hardly a breath of wind.
- Then, he whispered, barely like a breath of wind, the last word that he would ever say.
- Yes, for an afternoon or two, a breath of wind passed through the university.
- Lights danced in the city below and there wasn't a breath of wind.
- The lanes are low and narrow, and not a breath of air stirs through them.
Synonyms puff, waft, slight stirring, sigh, faint breeze literary zephyr - 1.4in singular A sign, hint, or suggestion.
迹象，暗示 he avoided the slightest breath of scandal 他对流言飞语避之唯恐不及。 Example sentencesExamples - Nevertheless, priests and laity restored the mass at the mere breath of royal suggestion.
- Coy admissions of a relationship between the parties lent a breath of intrigue to the otherwise sedate election campaign.
- The writer added a breath of intrigue to the mystery surrounding the wizard.
- Buffy marched into the kitchen with Tara, who looked like a breath of spring in her peasant top, long skirt and shy smile.
- There has been not a breath of public criticism for this.
Synonyms hint, suggestion, trace, touch, whisper, suspicion, whiff, undertone
Phrasesbefore one can (or has time to) draw breath Before one can do anything. we were frogmarched off to meet him before we had time to draw breath Example sentencesExamples - Show some people a hammer and they will be nailing shelves to the wall before you can draw breath.
- Before you can draw breath the media are reporting doom and gloom in bucketloads.
- Some piercers use a local anesthetic, but a good one will be finished before you can draw breath.
- The one sure thing you can say about the media, is that they can have it printed before you can draw breath.
- These ladies are super quick, and will fill your bowl before you can draw breath.
A thing that someone needs or depends on. 生命中不可缺少的东西 politics has been the breath of life to her for 50 years 这50年以来，政治一直是她的生命。 Example sentencesExamples - In India, rice is often called the breath of life.
- She poured some into the cap, cupping it into her hands and inhaling its warmth as if it were the breath of life.
- Yours is the house which decides the fate of the land, the house which gives the breath of life to the people.
- She hadn't done it in such a long time and she was longing for it as though it was the breath of life.
- The political will to use force is the breath of life of deterrence.
1Cease breathing momentarily in surprise or fear. （因惊讶或害怕而）屏息 she caught her breath, surprised by the suddenness of the question Example sentencesExamples - The pain wasn't too bad but it caught my breath.
- As I walked out of our cottage, the sky caught my breath as I muttered a "thank you" to God for such a beautiful place.
Synonyms pant, puff, puff and pant, blow, heave, wheeze, breathe hard, breathe heavily, catch one's breath, draw in one's breath, gulp, choke, fight for breath, struggle for air 2Rest after exercise to restore normal breathing. 歇一口气 she stood for a few moments catching her breath Example sentencesExamples - Once the pain subsided, I was still panting and trying to catch my breath.
- It felt like my chest tightened up and I had to struggle to catch my breath.
- I crouched down behind a pile of broken stone to catch my breath.
informal Used to indicate that something is unlikely to happen. 〈非正式〉 用于表示某事不会发生别憋着呼吸，别期望太高 next thing you know I'll be knitting baby clothes—but don't hold your breath! 还要告诉你一件事，我要编织娃娃穿的衣服了。不过不要抱太高期望。 Example sentencesExamples - But don't hold your breath for a correction to appear in the nation's paper of record.
- So I'll be in touch if I find out anything more, but don't hold your breath.
- So, if you are waiting for dramatic action against air pollution, don't hold your breath.
- But don't hold your breath to see it portrayed as such onscreen anytime soon.
- But it'll take time even then, so don't hold your breath.
- Don't hold your breath for any earth-shattering developments.
- Now, if you're thinking SPAM and spyware issues will soon go away, don't hold your breath.
- When it comes to finding out what the teacher does and how well they do it - don't hold your breath.
- Maybe the third movie will bring the whole thing together for a coherent conclusion, but don't hold your breath.
- But if you are expecting a $50,000 check, don't hold your breath.
he stopped to draw breath Example sentencesExamples - The old man remained nearly motionless, but he still drew breath.
- She drew breath and poised herself between candor and discretion.
- She drew breath as easily as she once did, and she could talk.
- He talks knowledgeably and constantly, only drawing breath to puff on his cigarette.
- He drew breath, clearly intending to continue.
- For as long as she drew breath she would fight for her baby.
- He drew breath to say something, but the knight cut him off coldly.
- This is the place for drawing breath, plus a long, cool lime juice.
- Photographing them gives me an excuse to briefly draw breath and to rapture.
- I drew breath like I was gonna start a long speech.
Synonyms inhale and exhale, respire, draw breath
Begin to breathe normally again after exercise or exertion. 喘过气来，恢复正常呼吸 he noticed how pale I was, and stopped for a moment to let me get my breath back Example sentencesExamples - She was shocked and screaming and could not get her breath.
- Back in the mall we sat on a row of benches to get our breath back.
- Even when she broke the surface and began fighting for air, she couldn't get her breath.
- I skidded to a stop on Frankie's perch, leaning against the pristine white railing to get my breath back.
- She was still breathing hard, but was beginning to get her breath back.
- When we sat down to get our breath back, he told me he was a student.
- In the car going over there I tried to breathe and couldn't get my breath.
- Finally we managed to find a corner without gas and I got my breath back.
- Sitting down also gave me a good opportunity to get my breath back!
- I was huffing and puffing, trying to get my breath back.
1Cease breathing temporarily. 屏气 he held his breath under the water Example sentencesExamples - Remember to try tightening all your muscles, holding your breath, or breathing heavy.
- Don't hold your breath when you lift heavy weights.
- Performers may hold their breath or breathe rapidly and shallowly from the upper chest.
- Most often, when we are overly frightened, we either breathe much too quickly or we hold our breath.
- Don't inhale deeply or hold your breath, just breathe normally.
- He held his breath, afraid to breathe or make any noise.
- You want to hold your breath, because it just doesn't feel healthy breathing it in.
- This test involves breathing normally then holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.
- There was a squeal of laughter and Maple breathed out, unaware until now that she'd been holding her breath.
- When it ends, you realise that you've been holding your breath and, finally, exhale.
- 1.1Be in a state of suspense or anticipation.
〈喻〉担心；期待 France held its breath while the Senate chose its new president 参议院选新议长时法国上下屏息以待。 Example sentencesExamples - I know you've all been waiting for me while holding your breath in anticipation of some sort of great leader, but I'm not.
- There are still a lot of people holding their breath, wondering how this launch will go.
- We've been having an academic discussion and holding our breath in this area for several years.
- The answer, in case you were holding your breath, was a pretty resounding no.
- We were really holding our breath throughout this entire production.
in the same (or next) breath she admitted it but said in the same breath that it was of no consequence 她承认了这件事同时却又说这并不重要。 Example sentencesExamples - It's old-fashioned and new-fangled all in the same breath.
- Take it as a warning sign when no one ever mentions your name without your bud's in the same breath.
- I'd normally go a long way to avoid shows in which words like ‘engineering’ and ‘entertainment’ are used in the same breath.
- Such photographers are seldom mentioned in the same breath as the kings in the world of photography.
- I only came here so I could be mentioned in the same breath as him during the introductions.
- Salzman celebrates and scrutinizes the policy in the same breath.
- Then, in the next breath, he hints at something darker.
- More often than not, the two were expressed in the same breath.
- Some of you may think it's wrong to talk about God and business in the same breath.
- This week's people could promise you the moon, then forget all about it in the next breath.
the (or one's) last breath The last moment of one's life. she would fight to the last breath to preserve her good name 为保护自己的贞节名声，她将斗争到底。 Example sentencesExamples - From the moment Gwen got to that party to her last breath, I want to know what happened.
- And in her last breath, her last moment of life, she looked around and I wasn't there.
- It's a crusade that I will pursue until I draw my last breath.
- From the moment we are born until we take our last breath and die, it is like our life force.
- I want to keep on singing till my last breath.
- Facing the cameras, he rededicates himself to serve the people till his last breath.
- I swung into the hall, prepared to fight to my last breath.
- Ken took his last breath while embracing his wife, daughter and son.
- I'm required to work until my last breath to make sure that justice is done to my client.
- Little by little, his muscles will give away, until finally he will be down to his last breath.
Gasping for air, typically after exercise. （尤指运动后）喘不过气来 he arrived on the top floor out of breath Example sentencesExamples - Needless to say I made it on time and sat down roughly in my chair, completely out of breath.
- I was all out of breath maybe I should not have asked so many questions at one time.
- Half an hour later Liz walked off the dance floor and flopped back into her chair, out of breath.
- By the time she got home she was out of breath and her hair was messy from the wind.
- I entered the room from the side entrance close to the stage, out of breath but excited.
- They hear thuds as someone approaches the bedroom and Michael bursts in out of breath.
- We were both out of breath from dancing so hard so long.
- Panting, she was out of breath when she held out her hands and gripped onto his arms tightly.
- After about ten more minutes, they were nearly to the top and both of them were out of breath.
- By the time we got to his car we were both laughing and out of breath, and had to collapse against the doors.
Synonyms out of breath, panting, puffing, gasping, gasping for breath, huffing and puffing, puffing and blowing, puffed, puffed out, gulping, gulping for breath, wheezing, wheezy, choking, winded
Pause to recover free and easy breathing. 歇口气，歇会儿透口气 she had great need of a moment of silence to take breath Example sentencesExamples - I tried to force my injured lungs to take breath, but they refused.
- Now, the football team must take breath from this fantastic win and build on it.
- Danny sat in the water screaming, not pausing to take breath.
- She paused to take breath for another sentence, but Will shook his head.
- Until the 18th Century, punctuation was closely related to spoken delivery, including pauses to take breath.
take someone's breath away Astonish or inspire someone with awed respect or delight. 使某人激动（或惊羡）得透不过气来 she took his breath away, as she did most men's Example sentencesExamples - Inside he found five masterpieces, but it was the contents of the last violin case that took his breath away.
- The hush of the garden after the neighbor's engine died away almost took our breath away.
- He slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair stunning blue eyes that took Rika 's breath away.
- She's an astonishing performer, she takes your breath away.
- To feel such venom coming at you is so shocking it takes your breath away.
- And he brought to the diocese a freshness, energy and enthusiasm that took our breath away.
- It was, quite literally, a view that took my breath away.
- He didn't apologize, just kissed me quickly on the mouth, taking my breath away.
- To see all our friends there with banners, it was fantastic, took our breath away.
- I guess I was very naive, but the violence of the attention took my breath away.
Synonyms astonish, astound, amaze, surprise greatly, stun, startle, stagger, shock, shatter, take aback, stop someone in their tracks, leave open-mouthed, leave aghast, dumbfound, jolt, shake up
In a very quiet voice; almost inaudibly. 压低嗓子，低声地 he swore violently under his breath 他低声痛骂。 Example sentencesExamples - She stared at the empty glass for a moment, and then swore quietly under her breath.
- I growled quietly under my breath and frowned at my reflection from a shop window.
- Shiro cursed quietly under his breath as he ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair.
- She swore softly under her breath as she began to push her way through the crowd.
- I wandered through the apartment door in a daze, humming quietly under my breath.
- Swearing under his breath, he stopped the juggernaut and stepped out.
- My eyes followed his steady pace around the room as he tore at his hair and swore under his breath.
- Andrea jerked to a stop again at another traffic light and he swore under his breath.
- They chanted softly under their breath in a language said to have died with the ancient evils.
- Even Ryan was murmuring under his breath.
Synonyms softly, making little noise, in a low voice, in hushed tones, in low tones, in muted tones, in subdued tones, in a mumble, in a murmur, in a whisper, murmuringly, under one's breath, in an undertone, sotto voce, gently, faintly, weakly, feebly
Talk or give advice without effect. 徒费唇舌，白说 I've far better things to do than waste my breath arguing 我不会徒费唇舌辩论的，我还有更有意义的事情要做呢。 Example sentencesExamples - Stop wasting your breath and drive or else I'll do it myself!
- So quit wasting your breath, forget her and move out of my way.
- She didn't bother wasting her breath on droning polite words to sound sophisticated.
- He was bound to find out about my problem eventually, so why waste my breath when it was not needed?
- But they're wasting their breath, we're not about to sacrifice the principles we cherish.
- You silently curse, but it's no use, you're just wasting your breath; no one can control Mother Nature.
- I will explain to you, but there is no point in wasting my breath unless you answer me one simple question.
- He wanted to tell them how wrong they all were but he felt like he would be wasting his breath.
- I tried to explain the spellchecker to her, but after a few seconds I realized I was wasting my breath.
- You shouldn't have wasted your breath on them.
OriginOld English brǣth 'smell, scent', of Germanic origin; related to brood. RhymesBeth, death, Jerez, Macbeth, Seth Definition of breath in US English: breathnounbrɛθbreTH 1The air taken into or expelled from the lungs. 气息，呼出（或吸入的）空气 我大口喘气。 his breath smelled of garlic 他呼出来的气息有股大蒜味。 Example sentencesExamples - I could feel the goosebumps upon my skin, the breath caught in my lungs in the presence of the devil before me.
- I winced as I saw his chest connect with the ground, knowing myself how it knocked the breath out of your lungs.
- The collision easily knocked the breath out of him, so he just lied there, unmoving.
- The measurement was taken as the best of three blows from total lung capacity with no breath hold.
- Zander gasped for breath, his lungs burning for it, as Charlie landed another punch in his stomach.
- What biomarkers of lung cancer did the electronic nose detect in breath?
- He gasped for one last breath of air, his eyes widening and his body shaking, then dropped still, motionless.
- The sight she had just seen caused her to literally knock the breath out of her lungs.
- This waif-like girl was sitting upright, gasping for breath with an oxygen cannula dripping blood.
- The remote fell out of my hand and breath rushed from my lungs.
- I fell to the hard forest floor, the impact knocking the breath from my lungs.
- She struggled to keep herself quiet as she took in breath after breath of air.
- Arms flailing, he crashed to the floor, his breath blasted from his lungs.
- The force of the child's inhaled breath delivers the aerosolized powder into the lungs.
- Hitting the hard ground, her breath rushed from her lungs and she was quickly surrounded by five angry faces.
- Vincent coughed, trying to catch the breath that his lungs were being denied.
- Gasping for breath at the top, I went into the bedroom and found that my respiration rate matched that of the patient.
- This knocked the breath from her lungs so violently she felt as though she would pass out.
- The crashing walls of the sea had knocked the breath from their lungs, and they struggled to reach the surface once more.
- For when I read the first few sentences, I was sure that the breath caught in my lungs and I almost dropped it.
- Clearly, flow limitation can occur throughout expiration or only over a portion of the expiratory breath.
- When in actuality, children need all of their breath in order to simply breathe.
- Holding your breath after inhaling helps your heart and lungs show up more clearly on the image.
- She took a few moments to gather enough breath to get anything audible out.
- As the oxygen mask reduced her need to gasp for breath, Mary relaxed a bit and reflected on her last, turbulent hour.
- Cavity and maxillary sinus measurements were also obtained with mouth breathing and breath holding techniques.
- She burst through the top of the water and gasped loudly for breath, her lungs and face stinging from the cold.
- Makoto stood there gasping for breath and Kathy was breathing heavily but still was more alert than him.
- 1.1 An inhalation or exhalation of air from the lungs.
呼吸 she drew in a quick breath 她迅速吸了口气。 Example sentencesExamples - I walked into the kitchen and took a few deep breaths in the dark then turned on the light.
- She drew deep breaths and concentrated all of her attention on putting one foot in front of another.
- Alis felt her heart pound loudly against her chest, her breathing coming in soft but quick breaths.
- I swallowed and began to take deep breaths to try to stop the fire in my chest.
- She forced herself to take a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart and clear her mind.
- It was amazing what a few calm words and deep breaths can do for the heart and soul.
- Alex nodded, went back into the bathroom and took several deep, gulping breaths.
- These are beaches for walking and composing, for deep breaths and thoughts of God.
- I did not let go of his hand as he took a few deep breaths, he was still shaking with pent up rage.
- After taking a few deep, calming breaths, she really looked at the two children.
- I have to take it in my stride and take a few deep breaths and manage it in the most mature way I can.
- The boy stopped out of breath as he rested his hands on his knees and took in a few deep breaths.
- When the treatment is finished, inhalation sedation wears off after a few deep breaths.
- She had to breathe a couple of deep breaths before she could allow herself to talk about her mom.
- He took a few deep, quiet breaths and looked away from her questioning, apprehensive expression.
- She took several deep breaths and tried to settle the uneasiness in her chest.
- He took a few deep breaths and realized it was a stain from something he drank a few days prior.
- Checking for cars, he took a few deep breaths and figured out what he was going to say.
- I was taking shorter breaths and getting exhausted quicker than the average person.
- Taking a few deep breaths to calm down, she swung her legs over the side of the cot and sat on the edge.
Synonyms gulp of air, inhalation, inspiration - 1.2archaic The power of breathing; life.
〈古〉呼吸能力，生命 Synonyms life, life force, animation, vital force - 1.3 A brief moment; the time required for one act of respiration.
in Las Vegas, they marry you in a breath Example sentencesExamples - One hour ago, he was alive, then, in a breath he was gone.
- Pedro is a breath away from signing with the Mets.
- He can also be horrible only a breath later.
- In the breath of a moment before the clouds moved back over the moon the tension snapped.
- Our lives are over in a breath teach us to count how few days we have.
- 1.4in singular A slight movement of air.
微风 the weather was balmy, not a breath of wind 天气温和，一丝风也没有。 Example sentencesExamples - Lights danced in the city below and there wasn't a breath of wind.
- The sunshine passed away, and a breath of cold wind seemed to drift over us.
- Heather holds sandy moraines together, its pink and white bells shivering in a breath of breeze.
- Then, he whispered, barely like a breath of wind, the last word that he would ever say.
- The lanes are low and narrow, and not a breath of air stirs through them.
- The sun was pouring down, with hardly a breath of wind.
- She hastened her steps, for the wind was a breath of chilling air and she was anxious to get home and off of her tired feet.
- Yes, for an afternoon or two, a breath of wind passed through the university.
Synonyms puff, waft, slight stirring, sigh, faint breeze - 1.5in singular A sign, hint, or suggestion.
迹象，暗示 he avoided the slightest breath of scandal 他对流言飞语避之唯恐不及。 Example sentencesExamples - The writer added a breath of intrigue to the mystery surrounding the wizard.
- Buffy marched into the kitchen with Tara, who looked like a breath of spring in her peasant top, long skirt and shy smile.
- Coy admissions of a relationship between the parties lent a breath of intrigue to the otherwise sedate election campaign.
- Nevertheless, priests and laity restored the mass at the mere breath of royal suggestion.
- There has been not a breath of public criticism for this.
Synonyms hint, suggestion, trace, touch, whisper, suspicion, whiff, undertone
PhrasesA thing that someone needs or depends on. 生命中不可缺少的东西 politics has been the breath of life to her for 50 years 这50年以来，政治一直是她的生命。 Example sentencesExamples - Yours is the house which decides the fate of the land, the house which gives the breath of life to the people.
- In India, rice is often called the breath of life.
- She poured some into the cap, cupping it into her hands and inhaling its warmth as if it were the breath of life.
- The political will to use force is the breath of life of deterrence.
- She hadn't done it in such a long time and she was longing for it as though it was the breath of life.
1Cease breathing momentarily in surprise or fear. （因惊讶或害怕而）屏息 Example sentencesExamples - As I walked out of our cottage, the sky caught my breath as I muttered a "thank you" to God for such a beautiful place.
- The pain wasn't too bad but it caught my breath.
Synonyms pant, puff, puff and pant, blow, heave, wheeze, breathe hard, breathe heavily, catch one's breath, draw in one's breath, gulp, choke, fight for breath, struggle for air 2Rest after exercise to restore normal breathing. 歇一口气 she stood for a few moments catching her breath Example sentencesExamples - I crouched down behind a pile of broken stone to catch my breath.
- It felt like my chest tightened up and I had to struggle to catch my breath.
- Once the pain subsided, I was still panting and trying to catch my breath.
informal Used hyperbolically to indicate that something is likely to take a long time. 〈非正式〉 用于表示某事不会发生别憋着呼吸，别期望太高 don't hold your breath waiting for Congress to clean up political action committees Example sentencesExamples - Maybe the third movie will bring the whole thing together for a coherent conclusion, but don't hold your breath.
- So I'll be in touch if I find out anything more, but don't hold your breath.
- But it'll take time even then, so don't hold your breath.
- Now, if you're thinking SPAM and spyware issues will soon go away, don't hold your breath.
- When it comes to finding out what the teacher does and how well they do it - don't hold your breath.
- Don't hold your breath for any earth-shattering developments.
- But don't hold your breath to see it portrayed as such onscreen anytime soon.
- But don't hold your breath for a correction to appear in the nation's paper of record.
- So, if you are waiting for dramatic action against air pollution, don't hold your breath.
- But if you are expecting a $50,000 check, don't hold your breath.
Example sentencesExamples - She drew breath as easily as she once did, and she could talk.
- He drew breath to say something, but the knight cut him off coldly.
- For as long as she drew breath she would fight for her baby.
- This is the place for drawing breath, plus a long, cool lime juice.
- He drew breath, clearly intending to continue.
- She drew breath and poised herself between candor and discretion.
- Photographing them gives me an excuse to briefly draw breath and to rapture.
- He talks knowledgeably and constantly, only drawing breath to puff on his cigarette.
- I drew breath like I was gonna start a long speech.
- The old man remained nearly motionless, but he still drew breath.
Synonyms inhale and exhale, respire, draw breath
Begin to breathe normally again after exercise or exertion. 喘过气来，恢复正常呼吸 Example sentencesExamples - Even when she broke the surface and began fighting for air, she couldn't get her breath.
- Finally we managed to find a corner without gas and I got my breath back.
- Back in the mall we sat on a row of benches to get our breath back.
- In the car going over there I tried to breathe and couldn't get my breath.
- When we sat down to get our breath back, he told me he was a student.
- I was huffing and puffing, trying to get my breath back.
- Sitting down also gave me a good opportunity to get my breath back!
- She was shocked and screaming and could not get her breath.
- She was still breathing hard, but was beginning to get her breath back.
- I skidded to a stop on Frankie's perch, leaning against the pristine white railing to get my breath back.
1Cease breathing temporarily. 屏气 Example sentencesExamples - Don't inhale deeply or hold your breath, just breathe normally.
- Don't hold your breath when you lift heavy weights.
- This test involves breathing normally then holding your breath for as long as is comfortable.
- You want to hold your breath, because it just doesn't feel healthy breathing it in.
- When it ends, you realise that you've been holding your breath and, finally, exhale.
- Most often, when we are overly frightened, we either breathe much too quickly or we hold our breath.
- He held his breath, afraid to breathe or make any noise.
- There was a squeal of laughter and Maple breathed out, unaware until now that she'd been holding her breath.
- Remember to try tightening all your muscles, holding your breath, or breathing heavy.
- Performers may hold their breath or breathe rapidly and shallowly from the upper chest.
- 1.1Be in a state of suspense or anticipation.
〈喻〉担心；期待 France held its breath while the Senate chose its new president 参议院选新议长时法国上下屏息以待。 Example sentencesExamples - We were really holding our breath throughout this entire production.
- We've been having an academic discussion and holding our breath in this area for several years.
- There are still a lot of people holding their breath, wondering how this launch will go.
- I know you've all been waiting for me while holding your breath in anticipation of some sort of great leader, but I'm not.
- The answer, in case you were holding your breath, was a pretty resounding no.
in the same (or next) breath he congratulated Simon on his victory but in the same breath dismissed it Example sentencesExamples - This week's people could promise you the moon, then forget all about it in the next breath.
- I only came here so I could be mentioned in the same breath as him during the introductions.
- It's old-fashioned and new-fangled all in the same breath.
- Salzman celebrates and scrutinizes the policy in the same breath.
- Take it as a warning sign when no one ever mentions your name without your bud's in the same breath.
- Such photographers are seldom mentioned in the same breath as the kings in the world of photography.
- More often than not, the two were expressed in the same breath.
- Then, in the next breath, he hints at something darker.
- Some of you may think it's wrong to talk about God and business in the same breath.
- I'd normally go a long way to avoid shows in which words like ‘engineering’ and ‘entertainment’ are used in the same breath.
Gasping for air, typically after exercise. （尤指运动后）喘不过气来 he arrived on the top floor out of breath Example sentencesExamples - Panting, she was out of breath when she held out her hands and gripped onto his arms tightly.
- They hear thuds as someone approaches the bedroom and Michael bursts in out of breath.
- I entered the room from the side entrance close to the stage, out of breath but excited.
- Half an hour later Liz walked off the dance floor and flopped back into her chair, out of breath.
- After about ten more minutes, they were nearly to the top and both of them were out of breath.
- By the time we got to his car we were both laughing and out of breath, and had to collapse against the doors.
- By the time she got home she was out of breath and her hair was messy from the wind.
- I was all out of breath maybe I should not have asked so many questions at one time.
- We were both out of breath from dancing so hard so long.
- Needless to say I made it on time and sat down roughly in my chair, completely out of breath.
Synonyms out of breath, panting, puffing, gasping, gasping for breath, huffing and puffing, puffing and blowing, puffed, puffed out, gulping, gulping for breath, wheezing, wheezy, choking, winded
take someone's breath away Astonish or inspire someone with awed respect or delight. 使某人激动（或惊羡）得透不过气来 Example sentencesExamples - He slowly removed his sunglasses, revealing a pair stunning blue eyes that took Rika 's breath away.
- To feel such venom coming at you is so shocking it takes your breath away.
- And he brought to the diocese a freshness, energy and enthusiasm that took our breath away.
- It was, quite literally, a view that took my breath away.
- She's an astonishing performer, she takes your breath away.
- To see all our friends there with banners, it was fantastic, took our breath away.
- I guess I was very naive, but the violence of the attention took my breath away.
- Inside he found five masterpieces, but it was the contents of the last violin case that took his breath away.
- He didn't apologize, just kissed me quickly on the mouth, taking my breath away.
- The hush of the garden after the neighbor's engine died away almost took our breath away.
Synonyms astonish, astound, amaze, surprise greatly, stun, startle, stagger, shock, shatter, take aback, stop someone in their tracks, leave open-mouthed, leave aghast, dumbfound, jolt, shake up
In a very quiet voice; almost inaudibly. 压低嗓子，低声地 he swore violently under his breath 他低声痛骂。 Compare with sotto voce Example sentencesExamples - My eyes followed his steady pace around the room as he tore at his hair and swore under his breath.
- Andrea jerked to a stop again at another traffic light and he swore under his breath.
- Even Ryan was murmuring under his breath.
- They chanted softly under their breath in a language said to have died with the ancient evils.
- She stared at the empty glass for a moment, and then swore quietly under her breath.
- I growled quietly under my breath and frowned at my reflection from a shop window.
- I wandered through the apartment door in a daze, humming quietly under my breath.
- She swore softly under her breath as she began to push her way through the crowd.
- Swearing under his breath, he stopped the juggernaut and stepped out.
- Shiro cursed quietly under his breath as he ran a frustrated hand through his dark hair.
Synonyms softly, making little noise, in a low voice, in hushed tones, in low tones, in muted tones, in subdued tones, in a mumble, in a murmur, in a whisper, murmuringly, under one's breath, in an undertone, sotto voce, gently, faintly, weakly, feebly
Talk or give advice without effect. 徒费唇舌，白说 I have better things to do than waste my breath arguing 我不会徒费唇舌辩论的，我还有更有意义的事情要做呢。 Example sentencesExamples - You shouldn't have wasted your breath on them.
- She didn't bother wasting her breath on droning polite words to sound sophisticated.
- I tried to explain the spellchecker to her, but after a few seconds I realized I was wasting my breath.
- He was bound to find out about my problem eventually, so why waste my breath when it was not needed?
- He wanted to tell them how wrong they all were but he felt like he would be wasting his breath.
- You silently curse, but it's no use, you're just wasting your breath; no one can control Mother Nature.
- I will explain to you, but there is no point in wasting my breath unless you answer me one simple question.
- Stop wasting your breath and drive or else I'll do it myself!
- But they're wasting their breath, we're not about to sacrifice the principles we cherish.
- So quit wasting your breath, forget her and move out of my way.
The last moment of one's life (often used hyperbolically); death. 临终，濒死；死（常用于夸张） she would fight to the last breath to preserve her good name 为保护自己的贞节名声，她将斗争到底。 Example sentencesExamples - Facing the cameras, he rededicates himself to serve the people till his last breath.
- I want to keep on singing till my last breath.
- I'm required to work until my last breath to make sure that justice is done to my client.
- From the moment Gwen got to that party to her last breath, I want to know what happened.
- From the moment we are born until we take our last breath and die, it is like our life force.
- Ken took his last breath while embracing his wife, daughter and son.
- And in her last breath, her last moment of life, she looked around and I wasn't there.
- It's a crusade that I will pursue until I draw my last breath.
- I swung into the hall, prepared to fight to my last breath.
- Little by little, his muscles will give away, until finally he will be down to his last breath.
Stop wasting time in futile talk. save your breath; I know all about it Example sentencesExamples - So these guys were the smart ones, getting it printed on t-shirts to save their breath for running.
- He apologises for his behaviour but she tells him to save his breath.
- It makes no difference what he says; for all the effect it has, he might as well save his breath.
- He should heed his own statement from today and save his breath until he has something substantive to say.
- Kendall should save her breath because she's not going to change her mind.
- The candidates, they suggested, should save their breath for the economy and health care.
- Fans go out their way to give their opinion on the calls, but they might as well save their breath.
- I could talk about the reason for a whole day but I am really tired of it and I'll save my breath here.
- And all those Canadians who are constantly pleading with me to stay might as well save their breath.
- He's telling her to save her breath and not tell him things he's already heard her say.
OriginOld English brǣth ‘smell, scent’, of Germanic origin; related to brood. |