curse (redirected from curses)

*under one's breath

Fig. [spoken] so softly that almost no one can hear it. (*Typically: curse ~; curse some-one or something ~; mutter ~; mutter something ~; say something ~.) John was muttering something under his breath, and I don't think it was very pleasant. I'm glad he said it under his breath. If he had said it out loud, it would have caused an argument.

See also: breath

curse someone or something with something 

1. to damn someone or something with something, especially a verbal curse. She cursed him with the fervent wish that he rot in hell. She cursed the day he was born with an unprintable oath.

2. to afflict or oppress someone or something with something. His upbringing cursed him with a strong sense of guilt. The political scandal cursed the town with a dismal reputation for years.

curse someone for something

to damn someone for doing something; to invoke evil upon someone for doing something. She cursed her mother for ever having borne her. Over and over, she cursed herself for ever having come there.

curse at someone or something

to swear at someone or something; to use foul language at someone or something. He cursed at the jammed toaster and pounded his fist on the counter in anger. Please don't curse at me.

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under your breath

if you say something under your breath, you say it very quietly so that people cannot hear the exact words 'I don't believe you.' she muttered under her breath.

See catch breath, Don't hold your breath, waste breath

See also: breath

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under your breath

to say something quietly so that others cannot hear your exact words The passenger next to me was angry over the delay and kept grumbling about the airline under his breath.

See also: breath