save one's breath

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save one's breath (third-person singular simple present saves one's breath, present participle saving one's breath, simple past and past participle saved one's breath)

1. (idiomatic, chiefly imperative) To refrain from speech; to be quiet, especially where it would have no useful effect to speak.
   • 1979, Garson Kanin, Moviola:

     If you're going to start in on me about coming back into the company — save your breath. There's no room here for me and you know it.

• save one's breath to cool one's porridge