huffing and puffing
Gasping for breath
Huffing and puffing describes loud, labored breathing—the kind that comes from physical exertion or being out of shape: He arrived huffing and puffing after climbing the stairs.
The phrase often carries connotations of complaint or bluster, someone making a show of effort or indignation without much substance: She did a lot of huffing and puffing about the new policy but never filed a formal objection.
The expression echoes the Big Bad Wolf's threat in the fairy tale.
- breathlessLacking air, gasping
- pantingRapid labored breathing
- blownMoved by air
- gaspingBreathing in sharp gulps
- wheezingHarsh, whistling respiration
heavy breathing · blowing hard · straining · breathing exercises · blustering · fuming · exaggerating · exhaustion · threatening · dramatizing · posturing · labored · stairs · snorting · dyspnea · exertion · struggling · effort
huffing and puffingsteady breathing
Constant respiratory rhythm
relaxed · composed · slow and steady · deep breathing · slow breathing