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

The victory over Paraguay represented a marked change in style, and a breath of fresh air.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 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

I was supposed to head downstairs for a reception with Congresswoman Pelosi and a delegation of California Democrats, but I needed a breath of fresh air.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 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

What I really wanted was a breath of fresh air.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

Related Words

• excursion
• ramble