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

"I think it is temporary," they said, "but we needed a few months of breathing space and calm."

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

The SNB has some breathing space as inflation is comfortably within its target range of 0-2%, having remained stable at 0.6% year-on-year in May, Nomura analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

But part of her appeal, for now, is that she offers a bit of breathing space - a feeling that in between all the performance and construction, something unforced still survives.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

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

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room