take a breather
Meaning(s)
1. take a break
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
take a breather from working hard
Analysis
To 'take a breather' is to 'take a break'. A 'breather' is a short break to relax or catch your breath. You might use this expression when a discussion is getting heated or becoming difficult to suggest a break so that people can calm down or take a break. Similar in meaning to 'take five'. This is an informal expression used in both social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Frank's boss advised him to take a breather because he was getting so stressed.
- I've been working on this project for ten days straight. I really need to take a breather!
Professional Examples (Advance)
- This has been a very heated discussion, why don't we take a breather and come back to discuss the other items on the agenda?
- I'm feeling a bit out of breath after that climb up to the top floor. Do you mind if I take a breather?