Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
huff-and-puff
verb phrase
/hʌf ənd pʌf/
Definition
To breathe heavily and noisily, often after exertion.
Examples
- After running up the stairs, I started to huff and puff.
- The old train began to huff and puff as it pulled away from the station.
- He huffed and puffed, trying to express his displeasure with the situation.
Meaning
The phrase often describes someone who is out of breath from physical activity or who is expressing frustration or anger.
Synonyms
- gasp
- pant
- choke
- heave
