breathing space

American  

[bree-thing speys] / ˈbri ðɪŋ ˌspeɪs /

noun

1. Also called breathing spell.  an opportunity to rest or think.

2. sufficient space in which to move, work, etc..

   The train was so crowded that there was hardly breathing space.

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breathing space British  

noun

1. enough area to permit freedom of movement

   the country gives us some breathing space

2. a pause for rest, etc

   a coffee break was their only breathing space

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breathing space Idioms  

1. Room or time in which to breathe, as in In that crowded hall, there was hardly any breathing space . Previously this term was put as breathing room . [Mid-1600s]

2. A rest or pause. For example, I can't work at this all day; I need some breathing space . This usage replaced the earlier breathing while . [Mid-1600s]

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Etymology

Origin of breathing space

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

breathing space

RBC analysts led by Biraj Borkhataria said the surge in oil prices has given BP some breathing space to boost performance.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

They must also be taking note of the breathing space China has given itself by electrifying its transport fleet and diversifying its energy sources.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

The prison population has now dropped significantly from those record highs - there is breathing space in the system.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

The new PM vowed to provide "breathing space" for households struggling with the cost of living as he stood on the steps of No 10 for the first time.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

His response to the mounting demands was not to reorder priorities to give his staff and graduate students some breathing space, but to add a late-night shift to keep the cyclotron running around the clock.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room