not breathe a word
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Not reveal a secret, keep concealed, as in You must promise not to breathe a word of what I'm about to tell you. This phrase relies on the verb breathe as meaning “to utter,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Words nearby not breathe a word
notation, not bad, not bat an eye, not be caught dead, not born yesterday, not breathe a word, not built that way, not by a long shot, not by any means, notch, notch baby
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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