breathing space

noun

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Definition of breathing space

: some time in which to recover, get organized, or get going — called also breathing room, breathing spell

Recent Examples of breathing space from the Web

Heavy hitters Groove Armada breathe space into its lyrics with break-beat rhythms and deep bass rumbles.

— kat bein, Billboard, "Tycho & More Remix ODESZA's Leon Bridges Collab 'Across the Room': Listen," 20 June 2018
Resin terrazzo can’t be used outdoors, though, says Krause—that’s why large floors still tend to be concrete-based, and have brass inlays that create breathing space to prevent crazing and cracking.

— jessica furseth, Curbed, "How terrazzo made a comeback," 13 June 2018
After announcing levies on steel and aluminum imports last month, Trump granted a waiver to the EU until May 1, giving the region breathing space to resolve negotiations on security and trade issues.

— helene fouquet, Bloomberg.com, "Europe Stands Firm on Trade Position as Global Tensions Increase," 4 Apr. 2018
Barcelona enjoy breathing space again at the top of La Liga and Ernesto Valverde can afford to keep one eye on Chelsea when his side visit bottom club Malaga on Saturday.

— tom allnutt, chicagotribune.com, "Barcelona visit Malaga ahead of Chelsea clash," 9 Mar. 2018
Businesses have been calling for a swift accord on transition that would give them breathing space.

— emma ross-thomas, Bloomberg.com, "Brexit Bulletin: Back to the Brink," 24 Oct. 2017
Experts believe that has given the extremists breathing space and emboldened them in their guerrilla attacks.

— Washington Post, "Somalia readies for ‘state of war’ as death toll up to 358," 21 Oct. 2017
The goal allowed Cincinnati breathing space after the club struggled to contain the Red Bulls II offensive surge through the first 20 minutes of the second half.

— charlie hatch, Cincinnati.com, "Harrison Delbridge helps FC Cincinnati attack and defense alike," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'breathing space.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.