🗒️ Idiom: Don’t Waste Your Breath
💬 Meaning
- Don’t bother saying something because it won’t change anything.
- Used when talking to someone who won’t listen or when an effort is pointless.
🧠 Example Sentences
- Don’t waste your breath trying to convince him. He’s already made up his mind.
- I told the team to arrive on time, but they never do. I’m not wasting my breath again.
- You can complain all you want, but don’t waste your breath. Management won’t change the policy.
🏛️ Origin
This expression dates back to the 1500s. It comes from the idea that speaking takes physical effort and uses your “breath.” If someone won’t listen or act, that effort is wasted. Just like wasting energy or time. The phrase became a common English saying to warn people not to bother talking when it won’t make a difference.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
You can tell him again, but __________ — he never takes advice.
Answer
don’t waste your breath
2. Choose the correct meaning:
What does “don’t waste your breath” mean?
a) Speak more clearly
b) Don’t bother talking if it won’t help
c) Take a deep breath before speaking
Answer
b) Don’t bother talking if it won’t help
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:
“There’s no point reminding him to send the report; he won’t do it.”
Answer
Don’t waste your breath reminding him to send the report.
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