waste breath

waste your breath

to tell or ask someone something although this will have no effect. Don't waste your breath. I've already asked her to help and she said no. (often negative) You'd be wasting your breath reporting it to the police - they never look for stolen bikes.

See also: breath, waste

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waste your breath

to say something that is likely to be ignored. You'd be wasting your breath reporting it to the police because they don't look for stolen bikes, even expensive ones.

Usage notes: often used in the form don't waste your breath: Don't waste your breath — I've already asked her to help and she said no.

See also: breath, waste