[Idiom] What is "suck air from a room"?

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Angie8

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I found this phrase "suck air from a room" from reading a book, and I googled but still couldn't find the answer. I think it's an idiom but have no idea what it meant in this paragraph here:
"Dunlap’s book is called Mean Business. That atrocious pun gives you an idea of someone who revelled in his own ability to suck air from a room. The book cover features a picture of ‘Rambo in Pinstripes’ with two dogs."

Anyone please help me to explain it? Thanks so much!
 

probus

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It is indeed an idiom, and I would say a slang idiom of AmE.

I think "Suck the air from a room" means to render everyone in the room speechless. It is typically done by astounding or horrifying them.
 

Barb_D

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It also just means to take the energy from the room. Someone who is very boring can suck the air from the room.
 
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probus

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I knew you could do better than me on this.:)
 
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