breathing space

[bree-thing speys]

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.

breathing space

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of breathing space¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Idioms and Phrases

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]

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]

Example Sentences

By subsequently taxing hard to double the amount of breathing space or headroom to £22bn a year around her borrowing targets, Reeves gets space from the uncomfortable glare of the markets.

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Local boy Depoortere then gave the hosts some breathing space with nine minutes to go, making sure of victory with a charging run.

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With eight straight wins buying some breathing space, his priority is competition to push the squad to new heights, rather than continuity.

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“It’s just giving us a little bit of breathing space before the next time.”

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But they were unable to put a further dent in Saints' lead, with Fin Smith teeing up Freeman just before the break to re-establish breathing space at 21-12.

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Related Words

• breather 
• breathing room www.thesaurus.com