in the same breath

Idioms  

1. Also, in one breath . At or almost at the same time. For example, Ed complains about having too much homework and in the same breath talks about going out every night , or The twins said, in one breath, “More cake, please.” [Mid-1800s]

2. not in the same breath . Not to be compared. For example, Karen's a good runner, but you can't speak of her in the same breath as an Olympic athlete . Also see in the same league .

---

Example Sentences

It is a role that Cook, himself, has celebrated, talking about the role the iPhone has played in the same breath as what occurred earlier during the civil-rights movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

But in almost in the same breath, they point out places that have become markers in this new geography of enforcement.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

Some people might feel it is taking the mickey for Hull to be mentioned in the same breath as tourism gems like Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro and Hawaii.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

Even President Trump recently praised Orwell in the same breath as Shakespeare and Dickens at a state banquet at Windsor Castle.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

“Did you get my letter?” she asked, and added, almost in the same breath, “You look almost frozen, you poor man. Why didn’t you wait inside? Did you get my letter?”

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger