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difference of the two phrases?

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Anonymous

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What differences are there between "hold one's breath" and "catch one's breath"?


I 'd like to know the difference in nuance.

Thanks for your help!
 

Casiopea

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pb said:
What differences are there between "hold one's breath" and "catch one's breath"? I 'd like to know the difference in nuance.

hold one's breath = stop one's breath
catch one's breath = find one's breath

Examples

We've been jogging for 30 minutes. I need to stop and catch my breath.
==> I need to stop and rest.

They're going to announce the winner right now. I'm so nervous. My breathing is loud, so I'm going to hold my breath.
==> I'm going to make myself stop breathing, because the sound of my breathing is really loud right now and maybe I won't be able to hear them announce the winner.

:D
 

Tdol

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Isn't 'catch your breath' often used for a short break required, such as after rushing for a bus? ;-)
 

Casiopea

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tdol said:
Isn't 'catch your breath' often used for a short break required, such as after rushing for a bus? ;-)

Yup. I concur.

Cas said:
We've been jogging for 30 minutes. I need to stop and catch my breath.
==> I need to stop and rest.

:D
 

Tdol

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After 30 minutes' jogging, I'd need urgent medical attention and an oxygen tent. ;-)
 

Casiopea

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tdol said:
After 30 minutes' jogging, I'd need urgent medical attention and an oxygen tent. ;-)

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: catch a cab :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
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