breathe easy

phrase

variants or breathe easier or breathe easily or breathe freely

: to enjoy relief (as from pressure or danger)

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of breathe easy was in 1840

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Breathe easy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathe%20easy. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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