English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Live and breathe
Meaning
The idiom "live and breathe" means to devote oneself completely to something or someone, to be totally engrossed in it. It can also mean to exist or survive only through this thing or person.
Usage
- I live and breathe basketball; it's my life and love.
- My job is all I live for now, and I give it my utmost attention every day.
- She breathes music, you can hear it in every note she plays.
- I feel like I'm living a dream being able to work with him.
- The team lives and breathes football, they put their heart and soul into every game.
Roots and History
The idiom "live and breathe" dates back at least to the 16th century in English literature. It has been used in various forms throughout history, including "dwell and breathe," "inhale and exhale," and "reside and exist." The figurative meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent over time, but its usage may have varied depending on the context.
Synonyms in English
- Give your all to something
- Exist only for something
- Be devoted to something or someone
- Be engrossed in something
- Find purpose in life through something
Synonyms in other languages
- In German, the equivalent idiom is "Leben und Atmen," which translates to "live and breathe."
- In French, the idiom is "vivre et respirer," which also means "live and breathe."
- In Spanish, there is the idiom "viver y respirar" which has the same meaning.
- In Italian, the idiom is "vivere e respirare," which translates to "live and breathe."
- In Japanese, the idiom is "生きている、息している" (Ikite iru, shikshite iru), which literally means "living and breathing."