waste (one's) breath
waste (one's) breath
To talk of, discuss, or say things that are likely to be ignored or are in vain. Don't bother trying to change my mind about this, you're wasting your breath! It looks like I wasted my breath trying to pitch my idea to the board of directors.
See also: breath, waste
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
waste one's breath
Fig. to waste one's time talking; to talk in vain. Don't waste your breath talking to her. She won't listen. You can't persuade me. You're just wasting your breath.
See also: breath, waste
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
waste one's breath
Speak in vain (because no one agrees), as in Don't waste your breath complaining to the supervisor-it won't help. This notion was first recorded about 1400 as wasting words. The exact idiom was first recorded in 1667. Also see save one's breath.
See also: breath, waste
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
waste your breath
talk or give advice without effect.See also: breath, waste
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
waste your ˈbreath (on somebody/something)
speak to somebody or about somebody/something but not have any effect: Don’t waste your breath on her. She doesn’t take advice from anybody. I feel like I’m just wasting my breath trying to explain things to him.See also: breath, waste
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
waste (one's) breath
To gain or accomplish nothing by speaking.
See also: breath, waste
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- waste breath
- waste one's breath
- waste your breath
- wasted
- be wasting (one's) breath
- a waste of breath
- sweet talk
- sweet-talk
- time's a-wastin'
- wastin