Meaning of Idiom ‘In the Same Breath’
In the same breath means at the same time; two things that contradict each other being spoken at the same time; saying two things that cannot both be true; speaking of two things in a way that compares them.
Usage Notes
This idiom sometimes uses as ‘in one breath’ combined with ‘in the next breath.’ For example:
“In one breath you tell me you have all your rent money and in the next breath you say you are broke.”
In one breath is also a separate idiom, sometimes used as ‘all in one breath’ which means to speak in a very rapid and excited way without pausing for breath.
Sentence Examples
“Republicans can defend Donald Trump in the same breath as accepting his guilt.”
“I don’t know how you can speak of someone like him in the same breath as our founding fathers.”
“After only one movie role, he’s already being spoken of in the same breath as the Hollywood elite.”
“When I was a boy, Son, there was always two kinds of girls. Us boys, we’d never even mention them in the same breath…” Splendor in the Grass (1961)
“Why can’t you like 101 Dalmatians and Reservoir Dogs?” “Exactly. Fantastic point, Rosa.” “Mr Michaels, do you think you can mention Disney in the same breath as Tarantino, Kurosawa or Bergman?” “Well, you just did, Sara. So, yes.” The Rewrite (2015)
“In my day, husbands and beds were rarely spoken of in the same breath. Husbands were taken seriously, as the only real obstacle to sin.” Enchanted April (1992)
Origin
Used since the mid-1800s.
The allusion in this idiom is that two things are spoken of in such close succession that one does not draw another breath while speaking of them.
