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Phrase(s): in the same breath
Fig. [stated or said] almost at the same time. • He told me I was lazy, but then in the same breath he said I was doing a good job. • The teacher said that the students were working hard and, in the same breath, that they were not working hard enough.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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1. Also, in one breath. At or almost at the same time. For example, Ed complains about having too much homework and in the same breath talks about going out every night, or The twins said, in one breath, "More cake, please." [Mid-1800s] 2. not in the same breath. Not to be compared. For example, Karen's a good runner, but you can't speak of her in the same breath as an Olympic athlete. Also see IN THE SAME LEAGUE.
American Heritage Idioms