Waste of breath Meaning in English
expression
WAYST-uhv-BRETH
WAYST-ov-BRETH
Definition
Trying to talk to someone or convince them about something when you know it will not make a difference; talking with no effect.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and a little negative. Often said as "It's a waste of breath" or "Don't waste your breath." Used when someone is stubborn or unlikely to listen. Similar but stronger than "waste of time" when referring to talking.
Spanish: pérdida de tiempo (hablar) - inútil hablarPortuguese (BR): perda de tempo (falar) - inútil falarPortuguese (PT): perda de tempo (falar) - inútil falarChinese (Simplified): 白费口舌Chinese (Traditional): 白費脣舌Hindi: बेवजह की बात-चर्चा - बिना फायदा बोलनाArabic: إضاعة للوقت (في الحديث) - لا فائدة من الكلامBengali: নিঃশ্বাসের অপচয় - কথা বলার অপচয়Russian: пустая трата слов - говорить в пустотуJapanese: 無駄な話 - 無駄な努力（話すことについて）Vietnamese: phí lời - nói vô íchKorean: 입만 아프다 - 말해 봐야 소용없다Turkish: boşa laf etmek - nefesini boşa harcamakUrdu: فضول میں بات کرنا - فضول بحثIndonesian: buang-buang omong - omong sia-sia
Example Sentences
Trying to explain to him was a waste of breath.
basic
It's a waste of breath to argue with her.
basic
Don’t waste your breath telling me what to do.
basic
Honestly, it's just a waste of breath trying to change his mind.
natural
Why bother? It's a total waste of breath.
natural
You might as well save your energy—it's a waste of breath at this point.
natural