bat the breeze
Filed under B
In a sentence
- During their lunch break, the coworkers gathered around the water cooler and batted the breeze about the latest office gossip.
- While waiting for their flight at the airport, the passengers sat at the gate and batted the breeze, discussing their travel experiences.
- After the game, the sports commentators joined the television studio panel to bat the breeze about the team's performance and strategies.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "bat one's eyes" is related to the expression "bat the breeze" because both idioms use the word "bat" to convey the idea of repetitive or light action. In the case of "bat one's eyes," the word "bat" refers to the fluttering motion of eyelids, while in the case of "bat the breeze," it refers to the action of repeatedly hitting a ball. However, the two idioms have different meanings and contexts. "Bat one's eyes" often refers to a flirtatious or seductive action, where someone blinks or flutters their eyelids in a charming or enticing manner.
Dusting off a batter" is also related to "bat the breeze," although the connection is more figurative. In baseball, when a batter gets "dusted off," it means that a pitcher intentionally throws a pitch close to the batter to intimidate or send a message. The phrase "dust off a batter" can be used in a broader context to mean confronting or challenging someone. Similarly, "bat the breeze" can also be seen as a form of challenge or confrontation, but in a much more casual and lighthearted manner.
"bat the breeze" is an English idiom used to describe engaging in idle or casual conversation without any specific purpose. Its origins are unclear, but it has become a commonly used phrase in informal conversations. The idiom conveys the idea of talking aimlessly, like batting a ball in the air without any particular direction or goal. While not extensively studied, it remains a colloquial expression primarily used in informal spoken language.
Neighbouring idioms
- bat one's eyes
- dust off a batterSport, games & leisure
- go to batSport, games & leisure
- get wind in one's jawsTalk & communication
- as the wind blowsAnimals & nature
- chat up
- blow off
- brush offTalk & communication
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.