Take breath away

Meaning

The idiom "take breath away" means to be completely struck, overwhelmed, or shocked by something, especially by its beauty or emotional impact. It can also mean to remove the air from one's lungs, causing a feeling of disbelief or being taken aback.

Usage

• The sight of the sunset took my breath away.
• The sound of the applause for her performance took breath away from me.
• When I heard the news, it took my breath away.
• The beauty of the city took my breath away.
• The emotional impact of the movie took breath away from me. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context, but it is generally used to describe a strong reaction to something that has a significant impact on one's emotions or senses.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the phrase "take breath away" dates back to the 16th century, where it was used in the sense of removing air from the lungs. However, by the 19th century, it had taken on a figurative meaning, describing a feeling of being struck or overwhelmed by something. Over time, the idiom has evolved to become more commonly used to describe emotional reactions rather than physical ones. It has also been associated with beauty and art, especially in the context of admiring nature or works of art.

Synonyms in English

• Stunned
• Shocked
• Astounded
• Incredible
• Astonishing

Synonyms in other languages

• Español - Astonish, surprise
• Français - Paralyser, prendre la respiration
• Deutsch - Erschrecken, entsetzen
• Italiano - Stupire, sciacciare
• Japanese - 噁れる (disappoint), 心酷 (euphoria)

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