IN THE SAME BREATH

adv. phr. 1. At the same time; without waiting. John would complain about hard times, and in the same breath boast of his prize-winning horses. Jane said Bill was selfish, but in the same breath she said she was sorry to see him leave. 2. In the same class; in as high a group. Usually used in the negative with "mention", "speak", or "talk". Mary is a good swimmer, but she should not be mentioned in the same breath with Joan.