time-out

noun

1. sport an interruption in play during which players rest, discuss tactics, or make substitutions
2. a break taken during working hours
3. computing a condition occurring when the amount of time a computer has been instructed to wait for another device to perform a task has expired, usually indicated by an error message

verb

1. intr (of a computer) to stop operating because of a time-out

Idioms and Phrases

A short break from work or play; also, a punishment for misbehavior in young children in which they are briefly separated from the group. For example, People rush around so much these days that I think everyone should take some time out now and then , or We don't throw food, Brian; you need some time out to think about it . This expression comes from a number of sports in which it signifies an interruption in play where the officials stop the clock, for purposes of rest, making a substitution, or consultation. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

Example Sentences

The three-time major winner looked perplexed as he headed off court for a time-out, wagging a finger towards his player's box and shaking his head.

From BBC

"We were expecting horses' performance to improve when we introduced the time-out, but were surprised by how immediate and significant the improvement was," lead researcher Louise Evans said.

From BBC

For someone like Ellen DeGeneres, whose daytime talk show ended after 19 years following allegations reported in BuzzFeed of sexual misconduct, racism and intimidation committed by her executive producers, cancellation mostly amounts to a time-out.

From Salon

Legal sites are strictly regulated and offer customer protections, including responsible gambling options like self-imposed time-outs and deposit and activity limits, they said.

From Seattle Times

The world has declared a time-out on sugar consumption.

From Salon

Related Words

• breather
• letup
• lull