What Does “Tongue-in-Cheek” Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句) -N0.587-

What Does “Don’t Hold Your Breath” Mean?（よく使う英語慣用表現）

Introduction

Have you ever been waiting for something that probably won’t happen? “Don’t hold your breath” is a casual way to tell someone not to expect something to happen.

1. What Does “Don’t Hold Your Breath” Mean?

“Don’t hold your breath” means “Don’t expect it to happen” or “Don’t get your hopes up.”

It is often used when something is unlikely to happen soon.

2. When to Use It

Use this expression when you think something probably won’t happen.

Example:

A: Do you think he’ll apologize?
B: Don’t hold your breath!

3. 日本語の同じような表現

日本語では、「あまり期待しないで」「期待しないほうがいいよ」といった表現が近いです。

“Don’t hold your breath” is casual and can often sound humorous or slightly sarcastic.

Conclusion

“Don’t hold your breath” is a useful expression meaning “Don’t expect it to happen.”

Remember, it doesn’t literally mean to stop breathing! It’s a humorous way to say that something is unlikely to happen.

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