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

But with the herd producing up to 6,000 gallons of slurry a day, any breathing space can be quickly used up.

From BBC

Vinicius Jr celebrated his goal in the first leg by dancing near the corner flag - and he produced the same celebration on Wednesday after his 80th-minute strike gave Real breathing space in the tie.

From BBC

She suggests that getting breathing space from stress can restore energy, which is something Nielsen is doing.

From BBC

Some believe the arrest will give the Royal Family and the Palace some breathing space, and that the treatment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as just-another-suspect will lessen the damage done.

From BBC

Arne Engels converted a penalty with Celtic cruising, but Utrecht pulled it back to within one until Auston Trusty's header gave the hosts some more breathing space.

From Barron's

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room