hold your breath

hold (one's) breath

1. To intentionally stop breathing for a short period of time. I can't hold my breath for very long, so I doubt I'll be able to swim down deep enough to grab the rings.
2. To wait for something specific to happen. In this usage, the phrase is usually used in the negative. The electrician said he'd be here before noon, but I won't hold my breath. She wrote a letter of complaint to the airline asking for a refund, but she said she isn't holding her breath.
See also: breath, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold your ˈbreath


1 stop breathing for a short time, for example because you are afraid of something or very anxious about something: I held my breath as the car skidded towards me.
2 be anxious while you are waiting for something that you are worried about: ‘When will you hear about your job application?’ ‘Not till next week. I’m holding my breath until then.’
3 (informal) don’t hold your breath used for telling somebody that it’s not worth waiting for something: We’ll let you know if there’s any work for you, but don’t hold your breath.
See also: breath, hold
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get into (one's) head
  • get into one's head
  • get into someone's head
  • cut school
  • deface
  • deface (something) with (something)
  • deface with
  • cut class
  • eavesdrop on
  • eavesdrop on (someone or something)
References in classic literature
Now all hold your breath a moment so I can listen well.
Story of Doctor Dolittle
"There is a tendency to want to hold your breath while engaging your core muscles, but holding your breath generates internal forces and pressure that can lead to injury.
Strong Core Muscles Beneficial for Posture and Back Health: Exercising muscles surrounding your abdominal area provides better stability and less back pain
The post Title deeds: don't hold your breath just yet (web) appeared first on Cyprus Mail .
Title deeds: don't hold your breath just yet (web)
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