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

The bill also allowed returning veterans a breathing space between the war and fully returning to civilian life.

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That gave Hamilton the chance to attack Antonelli, but he ran wide with two laps to go and gave the Italian rookie some breathing space.

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The TV series will have more breathing space to explore the plotlines from the books without the time constraints of the film.

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They mention creating "breathing space" in the coming days and weeks for further negotiation.

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But the review has on the face of it given the BBC a bit of breathing space.

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Related Words

• breather 
• breathing room www.thesaurus.com