Do something till you are blue in the face

usgb
phrase

To do something repeatedly without achieving the desired result.

You can argue till you are blue in the face, but I am not going to change my decision.
Visual representation of "do something till you are blue in the face" - To do something repeatedly without achieving the desired result

Often appears as...

  • argue till you are blue in the face
  • try till you are blue in the face

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "do something till you are blue in the face"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Persistence imagery

The phrase evokes the image of someone persisting to the point of exhaustion.

Illustration for Persistence imagery
He practiced the piano till he was blue in the face.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional frustration

It implies a sense of frustration or futility in the effort.

Illustration for Emotional frustration
She tried to solve the puzzle till she was blue in the face.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not literal

It's an idiom, so don't take it literally. It's not about actual color change.

Illustration for Not literal
They debated the issue till they were blue in the face.
Visual representation of the word "Do something till you are blue in the face"

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