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blue in the face

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(until you are) blue in the face

for a long time The attorneys can talk until they're blue in the face, but I don't think they'll convince the jury that this guy is innocent. You can argue yourself blue in the face but it isn't going to change my opinion.

Usage notes: used to suggest that someone will not listen to what is being said

See also: blue, face

blue in the face

Exhausted from anger, strain, or other great effort. For example, You can argue until you're blue in the face, but I refuse to go. This expression alludes to the bluish skin color resulting from lack of oxygen, which presumably might result from talking until one was breathless. See also under talk one's arm off.

See also: blue, face

blue in the face

mod. pale from exhaustion or exertion. I laughed until I was blue in the face.

See also: blue, face

blue in the face

At the point of extreme exasperation: I argued with them until I was blue in the face.

See also: blue, face