breathing space
noun
: some time in which to recover, get organized, or get going
called also breathing room, breathing spell
Examples of breathing space in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The former Madrid, Liverpool and Spain midfielder was only hired in May, but by December there was real pressure on him — before a series of victories seemed to buy him some breathing space.
—
Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
For those with existing high levels of debt, a lower interest rate could provide some breathing space.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
In the short term, the duty waiver may soften the blow of U.S. tariffs and provide exporters with breathing space, but as industry analysts noted, more consistent trade policies would be helpful.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 17 Sep. 2025
This gives you breathing space if currencies move in adverse ways.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breathing space
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Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
For those with existing high levels of debt, a lower interest rate could provide some breathing space.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
In the short term, the duty waiver may soften the blow of U.S. tariffs and provide exporters with breathing space, but as industry analysts noted, more consistent trade policies would be helpful.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 17 Sep. 2025
This gives you breathing space if currencies move in adverse ways.
—Tom Zachystal, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for breathing space
Cite this Entry
“Breathing space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathing%20space. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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