out of breath

Idioms  

1. Breathing with difficulty, panting, gasping. For example, After five flights of stairs I'm out of breath. This slightly hyperbolic term (since literally running out of breath means one is dead) dates from the late 1500s. Also see catch one's breath.

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Example Sentences

The defense looked out of breath.

From Los Angeles Times

I realized I was out of breath.

From Literature

Two minutes and twenty-three seconds later, we’re back in the office, out of breath, but with my workbook and Don McAndrews’s business card.

From Literature

“I have your flowers, your grace,” the boy said, out of breath.

From Literature

Mrs. Clarke was mildly out of breath, but she bore a pleased expression.

From Literature