What does “Under your breath” mean?
"Under your breath" means speaking quietly or softly so that others cannot hear.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He muttered something under his breath as he walked away.
Example
She whispered under her breath so that no one else could hear.
Example
I could hear him cursing under his breath during the meeting
Is “Under your breath” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Under your breath” 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 “Under your breath” effectively in context?
You can use "Under your breath" to describe speaking quietly or softly so that others cannot hear. It implies that the person is intentionally trying to keep their words hidden or private. For example, if someone is frustrated with a situation but doesn't want to express it openly, they might mutter something "under their breath".
- 1Disagreement
During the argument, he muttered insults under his breath to avoid escalating the situation.
- 2Embarrassment
She whispered an apology under her breath after accidentally bumping into someone.
- 3Frustration
I could hear him cursing under his breath during the meeting when things didn't go as planned.
Similar phrases to “Under your breath”:
To speak in a low or indistinct manner
Example
He mumbled his response, making it difficult to understand.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Under your breath” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Under your breath" is unknown.
Is “Under your breath” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Under your breath" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe speaking quietly or softly to hide their true thoughts or emotions.
What tone does “Under your breath” have?
"Under your breath" conveys a tone of secrecy or hidden frustration. It suggests that the person speaking wants to keep their words hidden from others or express their discontent without causing a scene.
Can “Under your breath” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Under your breath" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific way of speaking. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He muttered something "under his breath" as he walked away.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Did you just say something "under your breath"?' to imply suspicion or curiosity.
