Till you're blue in the face: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Till you're blue in the face” mean?

"Till you're blue in the face" means continuing to do or say something until you are exhausted or have tried everything possible.

What context can I use the in?

Example

You can argue with him till you're blue in the face, but he won't change his mind.

Example

I've been trying to fix this computer till I'm blue in the face, but nothing seems to work.

Example

You can study for the test till you're blue in the face, but if you don't understand the material, it won't help

Is “Till you're blue in the face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Till you're blue in the face” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Till you're blue in the face” effectively in context?

You can use "Till you're blue in the face" to emphasize the idea of doing something for an extended period of time or until exhaustion, without achieving the desired result. It implies that no matter how much effort or time is put into something, it will not make a difference. For example, if someone is stubborn and refuses to change their opinion, you might say, 'You can argue with him "till you're blue in the face", but he won't change his mind.'

• 1. Persuasion

  No matter how much evidence she presented, she couldn't convince him till she was blue in the face.

• 2. Problem-solving

  He tried every possible solution till he was blue in the face, but the issue remained unresolved.

• 3. Effort

  She practiced the piano till she was blue in the face, but still struggled with the difficult piece.

Similar phrases to “Till you're blue in the face”:

Beat a dead horse

To continue discussing or arguing about a topic that has already been resolved or is no longer relevant

Example

There's no point in bringing up the issue again. It's like beating a dead horse.

Run out of steam

To lose energy, enthusiasm, or motivation to continue doing something

Example

After working for hours, she ran out of steam and couldn't finish the project.

Hit a brick wall

To encounter an obstacle or reach a point where further progress seems impossible

Example

No matter how hard she tried, she kept hitting a brick wall in her research.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Till you're blue in the face” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Till you're blue in the face" is unknown.

Is “Till you're blue in the face” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Till you're blue in the face" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey the idea of putting in a lot of effort or time without achieving the desired outcome.

What tone does “Till you're blue in the face” have?

"Till you're blue in the face" conveys a tone of frustration or resignation. It suggests that despite one's best efforts, the situation remains unchanged.

Can “Till you're blue in the face” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Till you're blue in the face" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal conversations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'You can argue with him "till you're blue in the face", but he won't change his mind.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I've been trying "till I'm blue in the face"' to imply exhaustion from prolonged effort.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• until you're exhausted
• until you're worn out
• until you're at your wit's end
• until you've tried everything

Antonyms

• give up easily
• quit early
• stop before trying everything
• find a quick solution