you take my breath away

[blouen]

In what way can we use this idiom : take my breath away

[LwyrFirat]

"Taking breath away" generally refers to something that occurs that is so awesome or momentous that one literally gasps or holds one's breath. The phrase is often used in the context of something beautiful ie. "That diamond is so gorgeous that it takes my breath away".Ref:forum.wordreference.com

Neither native, nor teacher..

[blouen]

Is it used frequently in the US or UK

[LwyrFirat]

I think the expression is common in both countries. In the UK, personally I heard it, I heard it from American films as well.Even in Turkish we have this expression

[blouen]

I´m not aware if we do have a counterpart here in the Philippines.
I´ve heard it in a song, that´s all. I read it in the idioms area yesterday, and it appeals much too me. And I would gladly incorporate it in my daily speech.

Thanks LwyrFirat!

[riverkid]

Diamonds certainly don't do it for me, never have, but then everyone has their preferences.

A few notable times in my life, women have done this to me. In fact, the idiom & womanhood are, to me, inextricably linked.

[blouen]

Diamonds certainly don't do it for me, never have, but then everyone has their preferences.

A few notable times in my life, women have done this to me. In fact, the idiom & womanhood are, to me, inextricably linked.

You mean that this idiom most likely fits matters pertaining women?

[BobK]

"Taking breath away" generally refers to something that occurs that is so awesome or momentous that one literally gasps or holds one's breath. The phrase is often used in the context of something beautiful ie. "That diamond is so gorgeous that it takes my breath away".Ref:forum.wordreference.com
...

That definition omits one quite common usage - in relation to some negative quality such as stupidity or ignorance or rudeness (that is, something that is not actually awesome or momentous, but is - hyperbolically - implied to be that big/significant by the assertion that it takes someone's breath away). This often takes the form of the adjective "breath-taking":

I have read your article, and was struck by its breath-taking short-sightedness.

"Taking one's breath away" is commonly used in Br E, and I have no reason to believe it's any less common in Am E.

b

[riverkid]

You mean that this idiom most likely fits matters pertaining women?

For me it does, Blouen.

[blouen]

¨Her gracious moves takes my breath away. ¨
- something like this?