cooling-off period

noun

1. a period arranged by agreement to allow for negotiation and an abatement of tension between disputing parties:

   The law calls for a cooling-off period before a strike can begin.

cooling-off period

noun

1. a period during which the contending sides to a dispute reconsider their options before taking further action
2. a statutory period, often 14 days, that begins when a sale contract or life-assurance policy is received by a member of the public, during which the contract or policy can be cancelled without loss

Word History and Origins

Origin of cooling-off period¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

While consumer law gives individuals a cooling-off period after signing a contract, there is no such protection for businesses.

From BBC

However good it started out, the relationship between Rogen and Franco had a noticeable cooling-off period.

From Salon

Even now, the government can invoke the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, which allows the president to ask a court to order an 80-day cooling-off period when public health or safety is at risk.

From Salon

President Joe Biden has so far rebuffed calls by some of country's biggest business groups to use federal power to reopen the ports for 80 days, to provide a cooling-off period for further negotiation.

From BBC

US presidents can intervene in labour disputes that threaten national security or safety by imposing an 80-day cooling-off period, forcing workers back on the job while negotiations continue.

From BBC

Related Words

• lag
• moratorium
• postponement
• problem
• setback
• stoppage
• suspension
• wait