Beat (one's) breast In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "beat (one's) breast", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2022-11-10 07:11

Meaning of Beat (one's) breast

Synonyms:

beat one's chest

Beat (one's) breast phrase

To make an exaggerated display of sadness, guilt, or anger about something or that one is pretending to do so.

 

As soon as John got an unsatisfying test score, he beat his breast in front of the whole class.

Instead of sitting there and beating your chest about an unsatisfying test score, you'd better study harder.

Mary just beat her chest about how much she missed her ex after breaking up, and then the next day, they saw her walking in on the arm of another man.

Other phrases about:

you can't unring a bell

Once something has been done, you can do nothing but face the consequences.

Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk

It is useless regretting about past events that cannot be changed.

in the cold light of day

Used when one has had time to clearly or objectively think about something that had happened, and they often feel sorry or ashamed about it.

like a whipped dog

Having an unhappy, disappointed, or ashamed expression

the bottom drops/falls out of one's world

One loses all purpose, hope and confidence of life.

Grammar and Usage of Beat (one's) breast

Verb Forms

  • beaten (one's) breast
  • beating (one's) breast

The verb "beat" must be conjugated according to its tense.
 

Origin of Beat (one's) breast

The phrase derives from older times, when people would actually do it.

The Origin Cited: etymology.com .
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