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3. under breath

under breath

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*under one's breath

Fig. [spoken] so softly that almost no one can hear it. (*Typically: curse ~; curse some-one or something ~; mutter ~; mutter something ~; say something ~.) John was muttering something under his breath, and I don't think it was very pleasant. I'm glad he said it under his breath. If he had said it out loud, it would have caused an argument.

See also: breath

under your breath

to say something quietly so that others cannot hear your exact words The passenger next to me was angry over the delay and kept grumbling about the airline under his breath.

See also: breath

under your breath

if you say something under your breath, you say it very quietly so that people cannot hear the exact words 'I don't believe you.' she muttered under her breath.

See catch breath, Don't hold your breath, waste breath

See also: breath