Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises

While you are preparing for IELTS, especially for the speaking module, using common idioms in IELTS Speaking, like ‘live and breathe something’ can elevate your vocabulary band score. This idiom is particularly useful in describing dedication, passion, or obsession with a subject or activity, which is a common theme in IELTS questions about work, hobbies, technology, and personal development.

In this blog post, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom, ‘live and breathe something, and provide examples for IELTS Speaking and Writing.

Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Meaning

‘To live and breathe something’ is an idiomatic expression that means to be extremely passionate about or dedicated to an activity, subject, or lifestyle. It implies that a person is so deeply involved in something that it becomes a defining part of who they are. This kind of devotion often goes beyond mere interest; it suggests that the activity shapes their daily routine, mindset, and even long-term goals.

For example, someone might say, ‘She lives and breathes music’, meaning that music is not just a hobby for her, but a core part of her existence. The phrase paints a vivid picture of commitment, often used to describe artists, athletes, professionals, or enthusiasts who immerse themselves completely in their passion.

Origin of Live and Breathe Something Idiom

The idiom originates from the literal act of breathing, an unconscious, essential action for life. By combining it with ‘live’, the expression gains an intensified figurative meaning: just as we breathe to stay alive, someone figuratively ‘breathes’ their passion or profession.

Though it is difficult to trace a specific moment of origin, literary and journalistic uses began appearing in the 20th century, especially in contexts of sport, politics, art, and science.

Live and Breathe Something Idiom Usage

The expression ‘live and breathe’, a familiar idiom, finds frequent use in casual conversation. It can be used in the ways given below.

• She lives and breathes photography; you will rarely see her without a camera.
• Football isn’t just a game to him; he truly lives and breathes it.
• Liam has been living and breathing football since he was six. He has joined a football academy for young talents with an ambition to become a professional athlete.
• Jimmy has won the first prize in the Piano International Competition this year, which came as no surprise for any of us because he has lived and breathed music since forever.

Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Synonyms and Related Phrases

Since lexical resources are an important evaluation for IELTS Speaking and writing, it is important to learn a variety of expressions and words. Therefore, we have listed some phrases and common English words used in IELTS Speaking test related to the idiom, live and breathe.

Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Detailed Usage in IELTS Contexts

Whether you are describing your passion in an IELTS Speaking Part 2 speaking cue card or discussing the importance of dedication in a Part 3, the ‘live and breathe something’ idiom adds depth and fluency to your answers. 

Below, we explore how this idiom can be applied effectively across various IELTS contexts, with sample answers tailored to common topics.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 (Topic: Hobbies or Free Time Activities)

• Question: What do you usually do in your free time?
• A: In my free time, I usually work on personal art projects or watch documentaries about design. Honestly, I live and breathe creativity; it’s something I’m passionate about and try to incorporate into everything I do, even when I’m just relaxing.

IELTS Speaking Example (Part 2 – Describe your dream job)

Answer Extract: I’ve always wanted to become a software developer. I live and breathe technology - from reading tech blogs to building small apps in my free time. It’s more than a job for me; it’s a lifestyle.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Topic: Work Ethic or Modern Professions)

• Question: Do you think it’s good for people to be completely devoted to their jobs?
• A: It depends. Some people live and breathe their careers, especially in fields like medicine or tech, where constant learning is essential. This can drive innovation and success. However, if someone doesn’t take time to unwind, it might affect their health and personal relationships in the long run.

Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Practice Exercises

Below you will find a series of exercises created to improve your comprehension and application of the idiom ‘live and breathe something’, allowing for a better understanding of its meaning and usage in different contexts.

1 She lives and breathes silence, which is why she rarely speaks.

2 They live and breathe innovation—every team meeting starts with a new idea.

3 I live and breathe mornings. I sleep through most of them though.

Options:

1 Professional gamer

2 Organic farmer

3 Classical pianist

4 Startup founder

Live and Breathe Something Idiom: Answer Keys for Practice Exercises

Now, compare your responses to the answer key provided below to determine your understanding of the idiom ‘live and breathe something’. 

Exercise A

1 Incorrect. The idiom typically applies to activities or passions, not passive states like ‘silence’.

2 Correct. Innovation is a suitable activity to be passionate about.

3 Incorrect. Contradiction shows irony; one cannot ‘live and breathe’ something they avoid.

Exercise B

1 He lives and breathes competitive gaming; every moment not spent playing is spent analysing others' strategies.

2 She lives and breathes sustainability; her farm is completely organic and zero-waste.

3 He lives and breathes classical music; each performance is a display of deep emotional connection.

4 As a startup founder, she lives and breathes entrepreneurship; her day begins with pitch decks and ends with product tweaks.

To conclude, the idiom ‘live and breathe something’ captures the essence of intense dedication and passion, making it a powerful phrase for IELTS candidates who want to express strong interest or identity in hobbies, jobs, or academic fields. However, for best results, integrate it into your practice of the IELTS Speaking practice tests, where themes like passion, ambition, and commitment frequently arise.

Useful Links:

• Keep/Have One’s Finger on the Pulse (of something) Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises
• The Gift of the Gab - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• Let Yourself Go - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• The Last Straw - Idiom of the Day for IELTS
• IELTS Speaking Lessons: Improve Fluency, Vocabulary & Band Score
• The Best Phrases to Use in IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking Vocabulary - 30 Academic Words That Will Help You Score IELTS Band 9 (Part 1)