as I live and breathe

Idioms  

1. For sure, definitely, as in As I live and breathe, I've never seen a more beautiful view. This expression is generally used to emphasize the truth of a statement and has been so used since the mid-1600s, although sometimes it was put simply as as I live. However, the complete phrase was also used early on, as in Arthur Murphy's 1756 play The Apprentice (2:1): “As I live and breathe, we shall both be taken, for heaven's sake let us make our escape.”

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Example Sentences

The child himself—as surely as I live and breathe, is living and breathing now—a castaway and a prisoner in that villainous house!”

From A House to Let by Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn

Then, I'm a prisoner for life," answered Betty; "for so long as I live and breathe, I shall love him.

From Crestlands A Centennial Story of Cane Ridge by Bayne, Mary Addams

I sha'n't forget that night, Mr Simple, as long as I live and breathe.

From Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Marryat, Frederick

No, I would not, as true as I live and breathe; not if you were King George, and kings and queens were flocking to see you.

From Summerfield or, Life on a Farm by Lee, Day Kellogg

I shan’t forget that night, Mr Simple, as long as I live and breathe.

From Peter Simple by Marryat, Frederick