Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

don't hold your breath

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.42 in modern English

Syllables: don't hold y-our breath
IPA

31

Scrabble Score

18

Letters

2

Syllables

12

Unique Chars

Meaning

phrase

Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.

Example Sentences

"- The government says it's going to introduce free meals for all schoolchildren. - Huh, don't hold your breath."
"Don't hold your breath and don't jump to conclusions, but there is likely to be an announcement about the future of the railways in the next few weeks - [...]."

Etymology

Suggesting that if one were to hold one's breath while waiting for the expected event, one would die before it happened

Phrases

with bated breath

Frequently Paired Words

breathholding with bated breath

Questions

What does don't hold your breath mean?: Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
Where does don't hold your breath come from?: Suggesting that if one were to hold one's breath while waiting for the expected event, one would die before it happened

How to pronounce don't hold your breath

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