blue in the face
blue in the face
Showing signs of exhaustion or strain. Often used in the phrase "till (one) (is) blue in the face." You can complain about it till you're blue in the face, but we're going to your grandmother's whether you like it or not. They are such strange friends. They'll argue till they're blue in the face, then they'll go out to eat and be the best of pals.
See also: blue, face
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
blue in the face
Exhausted from anger, strain, or other great effort. For example, You can argue until you're blue in the face, but I refuse to go. This expression alludes to the bluish skin color resulting from lack of oxygen, which presumably might result from talking until one was breathless. See also under talk one's arm off.
See also: blue, face
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
blue in the face
mod. pale from exhaustion or exertion. I laughed until I was blue in the face.
See also: blue, face
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
blue in the face
At the point of extreme exasperation: I argued with them until I was blue in the face.
See also: blue, face
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- out of a clear (blue) sky
- out of the blue
- blue moon
- blue screen of death
- BSOD
- gown
- blue gown
- curse a blue streak
- have a blue fit
- cuss