Hold your breath
verb
To stop breathing for a short period on purpose.
She had to hold her breath while diving into the swimming pool.
Often appears as...
- hold one's breath underwater
- hold one's breath in anticipation
verb
To wait for something you want very much, often something you are not sure will happen.
I'm hoping to get a promotion, but I'm not holding my breath.
Often appears as...
- don't hold your breath
- i won't hold my breath
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To stop breathing for a short period on purpose.
She had to hold her breath while diving into the swimming pool.
Often appears as...
- hold one's breath underwater
- hold one's breath in anticipation
verb
To wait for something you want very much, often something you are not sure will happen.
I'm hoping to get a promotion, but I'm not holding my breath.
Often appears as...
- don't hold your breath
- i won't hold my breath
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
It refers to literal interruption of breathing, often during swimming or to avoid inhaling something.
You'll need to hold your breath when passing through the cloud of smoke.
Pro Tip 2/3Short Duration
The action is temporary and one must breathe again soon, it's not sustainable for long periods.
Hold your breath, the tunnel is short and we'll be through quickly.
Pro Tip 3/3Safety Measure
Used as a precaution in situations where breathing in could be harmful, such as underwater.
Make sure to hold your breath when you dive to avoid water getting into your lungs.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
It refers to literal interruption of breathing, often during swimming or to avoid inhaling something.
You'll need to hold your breath when passing through the cloud of smoke.
Pro Tip 2/3Short Duration
The action is temporary and one must breathe again soon, it's not sustainable for long periods.
Hold your breath, the tunnel is short and we'll be through quickly.
Pro Tip 3/3Safety Measure
Used as a precaution in situations where breathing in could be harmful, such as underwater.
Make sure to hold your breath when you dive to avoid water getting into your lungs.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action
It refers to literal interruption of breathing, often during swimming or to avoid inhaling something.
You'll need to hold your breath when passing through the cloud of smoke.
Pro Tip 2/3Short Duration
The action is temporary and one must breathe again soon, it's not sustainable for long periods.
Hold your breath, the tunnel is short and we'll be through quickly.
Pro Tip 3/3Safety Measure
Used as a precaution in situations where breathing in could be harmful, such as underwater.
Make sure to hold your breath when you dive to avoid water getting into your lungs.
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