in the same breath

Idioms  

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 .

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Example Sentences

Any cultural discussion of that era isn’t complete without mentioning them both in the same breath.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

It is a role that Cook, himself, has celebrated, talking about the role the iPhone has played in the same breath as what occurred earlier during the civil-rights movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

But in almost in the same breath, they point out places that have become markers in this new geography of enforcement.

From Slate • Jan. 16, 2026

The people I have encountered are some of the coolest and kindest in the same breath, a rare and precious combination.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

“Did you get my letter?” she asked, and added, almost in the same breath, “You look almost frozen, you poor man. Why didn’t you wait inside? Did you get my letter?”

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger