[Idiom] CATCH YOUR BREATH. - Engage with Engaging English Idioms: Finding Moments to Breathe

Pause to regain composure.

Catch your breath" is an idiom used to describe taking a short break from busy activities to restore your normal breathing, or more broadly, to regain composure or calm. Originally related to physical exertion, where one literally needs to stabilize breathing following intense activity, its usage has expanded to include any situation where a pause or respite is needed to collect oneself before continuing with the task at hand.

Example Sentences

1. Take a moment to catch your breath.

   Take a moment to rest and recover.

2. After running the marathon, she needed a minute to catch her breath.

   After the marathon, she needed a moment to rest and recover.

3. He worked so hard all day that he barely had time to catch his breath.

   He was so busy all day that he barely had time to rest and recover.