breathing space

Related to breathing space: breathing room

breathing space

1. A sufficient buffer of time or space that allows for freedom of movement or relief from a given source of pressure or stress. My yearly bonus always affords us a little bit of breathing space for the Christmas expenses. Please move back and give us some of breathing space here. The professor extended the deadline for our midterm papers, so I've got a bit of breathing space to get it finished.
2. A pause to rest or to think over something. Give me a minute, I just need a little breathing space while I figure this out.
See also: breathing, space
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

breathing space

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]
See also: breathing, space
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

breathing space

If you have some breathing space, you have some time when you do not have to deal with something difficult, and which may give you time and energy to deal with it better in the future. I spent seven happy months there, and it gave us both a breathing space in which to plan for the future. Even if the boarding school didn't help Louise, at least the family would get a breathing space.
See also: breathing, space
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a ˈbreathing space

a time for resting between two periods of effort; pause: This holiday will give me a bit of breathing space before I start my new job.
See also: breathing, space
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a breathing space
  • breathing room
  • year by year
  • a rainy day
  • rainy
  • rainy day, a
  • no lie
  • No lie!
  • No lie?
  • gravy!
References in periodicals archive
However, Warwick Bartlett, chairman of the British Betting Office Association, offered no encouragement, calling for a two-year levy deal to provide a breathing space.
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For anyone going through a difficult time Breathing Space are ready to help.
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Mental Health Minister MaureenWatt added:"I would urge anyone who is feeling low or anxious to reach out to Breathing Space, Samaritans or other services to make sure they get help."
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Botor's Breathing Space was a well-researched design for the wellness center lobby of Spa Town at Paseo de Roxas condominium.
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"Breathing Space brings together people with dementia conditions and their partner, family or carer for quality, creative time together.
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The congregation want to bring together the church, the nature reserve and the longer riverside walk to the historic site of Beaurepaire, to create opportunities for groups and individuals who are seeking "breathing space" in their lives to take part in therapeutic activities such as meditation, guided walks, and craft skills.
Breath of fresh air for community gets a grant
Then there'll be no coming back and they can have as much "breathing space" as they wish.
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But Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber, said the UK's national airports, including Birmingham, could provide the breathing space that the aviation sector needs.
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co.uk as we'd love to get more than 200 people there on the night." Breathing Space offers practical business training, advice and expert mentoring, giving individuals from the Black Country the chance to develop the attributes needed to run their own business, sharpen up their basic skills, and to get ongoing one-on-one support during the start-up stage.
Charity has Space for an anniversary celebration
A HEALTHIER bank balance can give vital breathing space to help you heal from cancer.
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Auchinleck gave themselves breathing space at the bottom of the Premier Division with a 3-0 win over Irvine Meadow.
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Shared areas such as a lounge, laundry and external courtyard offer communal breathing space.
California greening: inventively embracing green principles, this decent, dignified social housing block in Santa Monica is an important model for the future
TWO goals by Iceland international Heidar Helguson sank struggling Barnsley and gave Watford boss Gianluca Vialli some much-needed breathing space.
Heidar double delight; WATFORD 3 BARNSLEY 0
Among those set to receive a Blue Box to brighten up their Christmas are participants from Everton in the Community's Breathing Space programme.
BlueCrimbo will help the vulnerable; EFC in the Community