huffs and puffs
Pants with exertion
Huffs and puffs means to breathe heavily, as from exertion: He huffed and puffed up the stairs.
The phrase often carries a comic edge, suggesting someone struggling with a task others might find easy.
It also means to bluster or make empty threats, from the wolf in the fairy tale who threatens to blow a house down: The boss huffed and puffed but never followed through.
- pantingRapid labored breathing
- breathingPulmonary gas exchange
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- gaspingBreathing in sharp gulps
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
irritation · exasperation · storytelling · wheezing · exaggeration · inhaling · drama · temper tantrum · making a fuss · effort · threaten · annoyance · blow down · grumbling · hyperventilation · complaining · sighing · winded