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.

---

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

---

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]

---

Etymology

Origin of breathing space

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Taking the fight public might win Powell some breathing space and reassure investors for now.

From Barron's

The administration will give them breathing space to find a new buyer.

From BBC

Mr Black said the time gave him "breathing space".

From BBC

Forest are lucky West Ham have been so bad, because that is the only reason they still have a bit of breathing space above the bottom three.

From BBC

A Ministry of Justice source said prisons were under strain and the exemption would provide "breathing space" to structure a programme to hire more officers from the UK.

From BBC

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room