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

See Examples For:

breathing space

They must also be taking note of the breathing space China has given itself by electrifying its transport fleet and diversifying its energy sources.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

The prison population has now dropped significantly from those record highs - there is breathing space in the system.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

"Falling inflation is news families want to hear but there is much more to do to give people the breathing space they need," said newly appointed finance minister John Healey.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Policies to give people more "breathing space" on the cost of living will be announced on Tuesday by Andy Burnham, in one of his first acts as prime minister.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

His response to the mounting demands was not to reorder priorities to give his staff and graduate students some breathing space, but to add a late-night shift to keep the cyclotron running around the clock.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• breather
• breathing room