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huff and puff

idiom

Definition of huff and puff

1 : to breathe in a loud and heavy way because of physical effort
  • He was huffing and puffing when he got to the top of the stairs.
2 : to show one is annoyed or angry
  • She'll huff and puff for a while, but she'll calm down later.

Word by Word Definitions

huff play

  1. : to emit puffs (as of breath or steam)

  2. : to proceed with labored breathing

  3. : to make empty threats : bluster

  1. : a usually peevish and transitory spell of anger or resentment

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puff play

  1. : to blow in short gusts

  2. : to exhale forcibly

  3. : to breathe hard : pant

  1. : an act or instance of puffing : whiff

  2. : a slight explosive sound accompanying a puff

  3. : a perceptible cloud or aura emitted in a puff

  1. : of, relating to, or designed for promotion or flattery

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