breath of fresh air

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

breath of fresh air

Platner, who turned 40 during the campaign, found immense support from other male Democrats close to his age who saw his campaign as the breath of fresh air the party needed to stay relevant.

From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2026

One fund manager who met with him earlier this year said his uncompromising approach was a breath of fresh air compared to BP’s previous management.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026

"We put a squad together just to try and get out of this league. The lads have been absolutely brilliant, and the manager has been a breath of fresh air," Hodge told BBC Radio Humberside.

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

In spite of its eye-tickling pollution, the Indian capital must have felt like a breath of fresh air for von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa, who co-led the EU delegation.

From Barron's ● Jan. 28, 2026

The men were attempting to get a breath of fresh air during one of the dog days of summer.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

• excursion
• ramble