take a deep breath

take a deep breath

To pause for a moment to compose or calm oneself. Often used literally (as the act of exhaling is thought to promote calmness). I started to get stressed about my presentation, but then I took a deep breath and realized I was completely prepared. You're OK. Just take a deep breath and sit for a minute before you get up.
See also: breath, deep, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take a deep breath

pause in order to gather your thoughts or calm yourself before taking important action.
2005 USA Today What does the small business do when the engine that drives its business backfires? There are several steps to take. First, take a deep breath and don't do anything sudden.
See also: breath, deep, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • put (oneself) at (one's) ease
  • regain
  • regain (one's) composure
  • regain composure
  • composure
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
References in periodicals archive
In such situations the first thing we are generally asked to do is, "Take a deep breath".
Individuals are invited to post a photo of them posing to take a deep breath at any place in Hualien with a message that contains 'I am taking a deep breath at [fill in the name of the place] in Hualien," the county's tourism department said in a news release.
Relax and take a deep breath. It's a common recommendation from physicians and friends who seek to help you reach a state of calm when you 're feeling frazzled.
'Everybody take a deep breath! #HopeLives!' she tweeted on Friday about Trump's meeting with outgoing President Barack Obama.
I must now take a deep breath to steel myself for what I am about to do.
In Massad Ayoob's article about breath control in the April issue, he discussed the most common method of breath control when shooting: take a deep breath and let about half out and hold it, then make your shot.
Most will take a deep breath and let part of it out after while they gently squeeze the trigger before taking another breath.
Before you spazz, take a deep breath. "Physiologically, if you just listen to your breath going in and out, your body will react to that response and will calm down immediately.
This particular morning, on my way back to my house, I realized I was unable to take a deep breath. I could breathe, just couldn't take a deep breath.
Take a deep breath and exhale forcefully through the mouth.
Take a deep breath and remember progress can be made.
To find your vital capacity, or maximum amount of air you can force in or out, take a deep breath and exhale deeply into the tube.
Edna was able to take a deep breath and begin prying its jaws from her arm.
He told Talk Radio: "England can definitely go the distance in France and, as a Scot, I've got to take a deep breath to say that.
The brain then tells the lungs t6 take a deep breath. The extra air taken in by this breath is pushed out of the nose and mouth with an explosive force we call a "sneeze." This blast of air from the lungs helps clean out your nose.