Save your breath

verb phrase

Do not talk because what you say will not be listened to or it is not needed.

He won't listen to your excuses, so save your breath.
Visual representation of "save your breath" - Do not talk because what you say will not be listened to or it is not needed

Often appears as...

  • don't waste your time and save your breath
  • you might as well save your breath

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb phrase

Do not talk because what you say will not be listened to or it is not needed.

He won't listen to your excuses, so save your breath.
Visual representation of "save your breath" - Do not talk because what you say will not be listened to or it is not needed

Often appears as...

  • don't waste your time and save your breath
  • you might as well save your breath

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "save your breath"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Use Sparingly

Use this phrase only when it's clear that further discussion is pointless.

Illustration for Use Sparingly
She's made up her mind on the topic, you can save your breath trying to convince her otherwise.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Frustration

Signals speaker's annoyance or frustration regarding the stubbornness or closed-mindedness of others.

Illustration for Implied Frustration
I've told him a hundred times already; save your breath, he just doesn't care.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preemptive Advice

Often used to advise someone before they waste effort in an argument or explanation.

Illustration for Preemptive Advice
They've already decided on the proposal—save your breath with the presentation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Use Sparingly

Use this phrase only when it's clear that further discussion is pointless.

Illustration for Use Sparingly
She's made up her mind on the topic, you can save your breath trying to convince her otherwise.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Frustration

Signals speaker's annoyance or frustration regarding the stubbornness or closed-mindedness of others.

Illustration for Implied Frustration
I've told him a hundred times already; save your breath, he just doesn't care.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preemptive Advice

Often used to advise someone before they waste effort in an argument or explanation.

Illustration for Preemptive Advice
They've already decided on the proposal—save your breath with the presentation.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Use Sparingly

Use this phrase only when it's clear that further discussion is pointless.

Illustration for Use Sparingly
She's made up her mind on the topic, you can save your breath trying to convince her otherwise.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Implied Frustration

Signals speaker's annoyance or frustration regarding the stubbornness or closed-mindedness of others.

Illustration for Implied Frustration
I've told him a hundred times already; save your breath, he just doesn't care.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Preemptive Advice

Often used to advise someone before they waste effort in an argument or explanation.

Illustration for Preemptive Advice
They've already decided on the proposal—save your breath with the presentation.
Visual representation of the word "Save your breath"

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