take breath away

take someone's breath away 

1. Lit. to cause someone to be out of breath due to a shock or hard exercise. Running this fast takes my breath away. Mary frightened me and took my breath away.

2. Fig. to overwhelm someone with beauty or grandeur; to surprise or astound someone. The magnificent painting took my breath away. Ann looked so beautiful that she took my breath away.

See also: away, breath, take

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take your breath away

if something takes your breath away, you feel surprise and admiration because it is very beautiful, good, or exciting The beauty of the Taj Mahal took my breath away.

See also: away, breath, take

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take your breath away

to be extremely surprised We have landscapes so grand they will simply take your breath away. She was strolling along the street, and just seeing her took his breath away.

Usage notes: said especially about people or things that are surprisingly beautiful

See also: away, breath, take