out of breath
上氣不接下氣,氣喘吁吁
Breath n.
1. The air inhaled and exhaled in respiration; air which, in the process of respiration, has parted with oxygen and has received carbonic acid, aqueous vapor, warmth, etc.
Melted as breath into the wind. --Shak.
2. The act of breathing naturally or freely; the power or capacity to breathe freely; as, I am out of breath.
3. The power of respiration, and hence, life.
Thou takest away their breath, they die. --Ps. civ. 29.
4. Time to breathe; respite; pause.
Give me some breath, some little pause. --Shak.
5. A single respiration, or the time of making it; a single act; an instant.
He smiles and he frowns in a breath. --Dryden.
6. Fig.: That which gives or strengthens life.
The earthquake voice of victory,
To thee the breath of life. --Byron.
7. A single word; the slightest effort; a trifle.
A breath can make them, as a breath has made. --Goldsmith.
8. A very slight breeze; air in gentle motion.
Calm and unruffled as a summer's sea,
when not a breath of wind flies o'er its surface. --Addison.
9. Fragrance; exhalation; odor; perfume.
The breath of flowers. --Bacon.
10. Gentle exercise, causing a quicker respiration.
An after dinner's breath. --Shak.
Out of breath, breathless, exhausted; breathing with difficulty.
Under one's breath, in low tones.
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out of breath
adj : breathing laboriously or convulsively [syn: blown, gasping,
out of breath(p), panting, pursy, short-winded,
winded]