catch one's breath

1. Resume normal breathing after physical exertion of some kind, as in These stairs are steep; wait a minute till I catch my breath . This phrase once meant the same as hold one's breath —that is, stop breathing momentarily—a usage no longer current. [Early 1800s]

2. Relax, take a rest, as in Events have been moving so fast I'd like to stop and catch my breath . [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

No breaks, barely time to catch one’s breath.

From Seattle Times

The sculpture symbolises the emergence from the pandemic and a moment to catch one's breath.

From BBC

Her film plunges viewers into this hothouse atmosphere so fully that it is hard to catch one's breath.

From Salon

A stroll through sculpture the garden never failed to let one catch one’s breath and lower the blood pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

He ended by repeating that it was wonderful to find oneself “way out here” where one could, as it were, catch one's breath.

From Literature