English Explanatory Dictionary

until one is blue in the face

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adv
  1. For a hopelessly long time; used especially in respect to discussing, explaining, insisting, etc.

Pronunciation

En-au-until one is blue in the face.ogg

Word forms

until one is blue in the face

Etymology

By figurative extension from the concept of being literally out of breath (from talking so much, exerting oneself so much, and so on), which may sometimes cause one's face to look wan.

Synonyms

until the cows come home

Related words

bluefaced cyanosis cyanotic livid
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