catch one's breath

1. Resume normal breathing after physical exertion of some kind, as in These stairs are steep; wait a minute till I catch my breath . This phrase once meant the same as hold one's breath —that is, stop breathing momentarily—a usage no longer current. [Early 1800s]

2. Relax, take a rest, as in Events have been moving so fast I'd like to stop and catch my breath . [First half of 1900s]