don't hold your breath
Filed under D
In a sentence
- Don't hold your breath for that promotion; it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.
- I wouldn't hold my breath for him to apologize; he's not one to admit when he's wrong.
- If you're waiting for the government to fix all the country's problems, don't hold your breath.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The phrase "hold one's breath" is another commonly used idiom in the English language. It is used to convey the idea of eagerly waiting for something or anxiously anticipating a specific outcome. When someone tells you to "hold your breath," they are essentially asking you to wait and watch with anticipation.
The origin of this idiom can also be traced back to the practice of literally holding one's breath in anticipation. It is believed to have first been used in the early 19th century and has since become a popular expression to describe the act of eagerly or anxiously awaiting something.
The idiom "can't wait" is another expression that is closely related to "don't hold your breath." This phrase is used to convey a strong desire or eagerness for something that is about to happen. When someone says they "can't wait" for a certain event or outcome, they are expressing their excitement and anticipation.
"Hold onto your hat" is yet another idiom related to the concept of anticipation. This phrase is used to convey the idea of being prepared for something surprising or unexpected to happen. It is often used in situations where one is about to experience something thrilling or unpredictable.
"Hurry up and wait" is a phrase that perfectly captures the paradoxical nature of waiting with anticipation. It is often used to describe situations where someone is expected to act quickly or efficiently, only to find themselves waiting for an extended period afterward. This expression highlights the frustration and impatience that can come with anticipation.
Lastly, "hold off" is an idiom that is used to indicate the postponement or delay of something. When someone says to "hold off," they are essentially asking for patience or asking for a pause before proceeding. This expression is often used in situations where there is a need to wait for more information or for a particular time.
Neighbouring idioms
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.