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

He reannounced himself as an international bowler, gave life to England's post-Ashes rebuild and quite possibly provided precious breathing space to the management that once discarded him.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

PepsiCo, which owns the massive Frito-Lay snacking empire, has more breathing space than most.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

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 • Jan. 29, 2026

To gain some breathing space, Torak dodged behind the fire.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room