breath of fresh air

1. New and refreshing, as in His arrival was like a breath of fresh air. This term transfers the idea of fresh air to a new approach or welcome arrival, and has largely replaced both the earlier breath of heaven and breath of spring, although the latter is still heard occasionally. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

When Stokes and McCullum took over, their attitude was a breath of fresh air.

Read more on BBC

President Samia, who had been vice-president, seemed like a breath of fresh air - and with her warmer and friendlier style, she initiated reforms that seemed to represent a radical departure from her predecessor's policies.

Read more on BBC

It's a breath of fresh air to see teams like Bournemouth and Sunderland exceeding expectations at the top of the Premier League - and I would include Tottenham in that list of over-achievers too.

Read more on BBC

People like Bloom, watching here from the stand, are a breath of fresh air.

Read more on BBC

In an era of cable news grifting, bickering and blatant bigotry, progressive voices like these are a breath of fresh air.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• excursion 
• ramble