Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
not hold one's breath
idiom
/nɒt hoʊld wʌnz brɛθ/
Definition
To not expect something to happen or to not be overly optimistic about a situation.
Examples
- Don’t hold your breath waiting for him to call; he’s very busy.
- She said she’d finish the project next week, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Meaning
This expression implies that one should not wait for something uncertain to occur, as it may take a long time or may never happen.
Synonyms
- Not expect
- Not be overly optimistic
- Do not wait
