draw breath
يتنفس
حرفيًا: Pull air/breath
Use `draw breath` to add descriptive flair when talking about life, pauses, or non-stop activity.
في 15 ثانية
- To physically inhale air into your lungs.
- A more descriptive or poetic way to say 'breathe'.
- Often used to describe pausing or being extremely busy.
المعنى
To take a breath of air into your lungs. It often describes the first breath you take or a pause you take before continuing to speak or act.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Describing a beautiful mountain view
I stood at the peak and drew a deep breath of the crisp mountain air.
I stood at the peak and took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air.
Complaining about a talkative coworker
She talked for an hour and hardly paused to draw breath!
She talked for an hour and hardly paused to breathe!
In a formal business presentation
Before we move to the next slide, let's all take a moment to draw breath.
Before we move to the next slide, let's all take a moment to breathe.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase has roots in Middle English and has been a staple of English literature for centuries. It often carries a philosophical weight, equating the act of breathing with the state of being alive and conscious. In modern times, it is frequently used to highlight the fast pace of life or a person's relentless energy.
Use it for 'Busy' vibes
If you want to sound more native when saying you're busy, say 'I haven't had a chance to draw breath.' It sounds much more natural than 'I am very occupied.'
Don't confuse with 'Draw a blank'
To 'draw a blank' means to forget something. To 'draw breath' is purely about breathing/pausing. Don't mix them up in a meeting!
في 15 ثانية
- To physically inhale air into your lungs.
- A more descriptive or poetic way to say 'breathe'.
- Often used to describe pausing or being extremely busy.
What It Means
At its heart, draw breath is simply the act of inhaling. However, it feels much more descriptive than just saying 'breathe.' It suggests a conscious or significant moment of taking in air. It can mean being alive or simply pausing for a second. Think of it as the physical action of pulling life into your body.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to add a bit of drama or detail to a story. You can use it literally, like when you step outside into the cold. You can also use it figuratively to describe someone who never stops talking. It usually follows a verb-object pattern. You can say someone 'hardly had time to draw breath' between tasks.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound a bit more poetic or descriptive. It works great in storytelling or when describing a busy day. Use it in a meeting if you've been talking for ten minutes straight. It’s perfect for those 'wow' moments where you need a second to recover. It also fits well in emotional contexts, like seeing a beautiful view.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in a medical emergency. If someone is choking, don't ask if they can draw breath. Just use the word 'breathe' there. Avoid it in very short, casual texts like 'U ok?'. It might sound a bit too formal or 'bookish' for a quick check-in. Also, don't use it for inanimate objects like cars or vacuums.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a literary feel, often appearing in classic English novels. It carries a sense of 'vitality' or 'existence.' In British English, it’s a common way to describe someone who is very talkative. It implies that breathing is the only thing keeping them from speaking more. It connects life, speech, and the physical act of survival.
Common Variations
Take a breath: The most common, everyday version.Catch your breath: Used after running or being surprised.Hold your breath: Waiting for something to happen.Every breath he draws: A way to say 'every moment he is alive.'Hardly drew breath: Used to describe someone talking non-stop.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The phrase is versatile across all registers. Just remember that 'draw' is an irregular verb (draw, drew, drawn).
Use it for 'Busy' vibes
If you want to sound more native when saying you're busy, say 'I haven't had a chance to draw breath.' It sounds much more natural than 'I am very occupied.'
Don't confuse with 'Draw a blank'
To 'draw a blank' means to forget something. To 'draw breath' is purely about breathing/pausing. Don't mix them up in a meeting!
The 'Talker' Stereotype
In English culture, describing someone as 'hardly drawing breath' is a polite, slightly funny way to call them a chatterbox.
أمثلة
6I stood at the peak and drew a deep breath of the crisp mountain air.
I stood at the peak and took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air.
Used here to show appreciation for nature.
She talked for an hour and hardly paused to draw breath!
She talked for an hour and hardly paused to breathe!
A common humorous exaggeration.
Before we move to the next slide, let's all take a moment to draw breath.
Before we move to the next slide, let's all take a moment to breathe.
Used to suggest a short break in information.
I've been running errands all day and haven't had a second to draw breath.
I've been running errands all day and haven't had a second to breathe.
Casual way to say you are very busy.
The crowd drew breath collectively as the acrobat jumped.
The crowd gasped collectively as the acrobat jumped.
Shows a shared reaction of surprise.
As long as I draw breath, I will support your dreams.
As long as I am alive, I will support your dreams.
A very formal and dramatic way to say 'as long as I live'.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a busy morning.
I've been answering emails since 8 AM and haven't had time to ___.
In this context, 'draw breath' means taking a break or a moment to rest from work.
Which word fits the phrase used to describe a long-winded speaker?
He spoke for twenty minutes without ___ breath once.
The standard collocation is 'drawing breath'.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Draw Breath'
Used with friends to complain about being busy.
No time to draw breath today!
Common in storytelling or descriptions.
He drew a long breath before speaking.
Used in literature or dramatic speeches.
While I yet draw breath, I shall fight.
When to use 'Draw Breath'
At the Gym
Pausing between heavy sets.
In a Meeting
Taking a break between topics.
Nature Walk
Enjoying fresh air.
Storytelling
Describing a character's pause.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, but it is more descriptive. 'Breathe' is a basic verb, while draw breath emphasizes the action or the pause.
Absolutely! It's great for complaining about a hectic day, like: 'Work is crazy, haven't even drawn breath yet!'
It's neutral. It works in books, professional settings, and casual conversations, though it sounds slightly more 'elegant' than just 'breathing'.
It means someone was talking so fast or working so hard they didn't stop for even a second.
No, that sounds unnatural. The correct collocation is always draw breath.
Yes, it is used in both British and American English, though it has a slightly more traditional feel in British English.
Yes, you could say 'The horse drew a ragged breath after the race.' It works for anything that breathes.
No, but 'to draw your last breath' is a common idiom for dying.
It's more of a set collocation than a metaphorical idiom, as the meaning is quite literal.
Yes, 'drew breath' is very common in storytelling. For example: 'He drew a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.'
عبارات ذات صلة
Catch your breath
To rest until you can breathe normally again after exercise.
Take a breather
To take a short break from an activity.
Under one's breath
To speak very quietly so others cannot hear.
In the same breath
To say two things that are often contradictory immediately after each other.
التعليقات (0)
تسجيل الدخول للتعليقابدأ تعلم اللغات مجاناً
ابدأ التعلم مجاناً