Until you're blue in the face
What's making Rob so angry? He's been shouting at someone but they're not listening to him. It's time to learn a phrase about the colour of his face.
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei and joining me today is Rob…. Errr Rob, wake up!
Rob
Oh yeah hi everyone.
Feifei
What's wrong Rob?
Rob
It's the kids. My house is a mess—toys, pencils, paints everywhere—and I've been trying to get them to clear everything up.
Feifei
And I guess you haven't been successful?
Rob
That's right. I shouted at them until I was blue in the face—but the house is still a mess.
Feifei
Rob, you don't look blue to me—just your normal colour.
Rob
I know that—what I mean is, I'm wasting my time because it won't happen—whatever I say I won't get the result I want…
Feifei
… which is a tidy house. Hmm, so saying something 'until you're blue in the face' means telling someone something is a waste of time because nothing will happen or change.
Oh dear Rob, it sounds like you have no control over your kids.
Rob
You're probably right. But I'm not alone—let's hear some other people who are 'blue in the face'…
Examples
I've told him to get here on time until I'm blue in the face but still he continues to arrive late.
He told her not to break the speed limit on the motorway until he was blue in the face but she still did it and guess what? She got a speeding ticket!
Feifei
So saying 'until I'm blue in the face' means even though you keep saying something, nobody will listen to you. I know what that's like Rob.
Rob
Really?
Feifei
Yes. Every time you make me a coffee I always ask you to put two sugars in it—but you never do!
Rob
Err, pardon Feifei? Sorry I wasn't listening. I'm so tired.
Feifei
Why are you so tired Rob? All you did was ask the kids to tidy up.
Rob
Yes but because they didn't listen to me, I had to tidy everything up.
Feifei
Actually I can see that… you really are blue in the face—look you've got blue paint there…and there… and there…
Rob
Arghhh! Those damn kids!
Feifei
Calm down Rob. Your face is turning red!
Both
Bye!