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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Consumer Confidence Implications For Financial Markets Strong U.S. consumer confidence is supportive of growth, business activity, equity valuations, and the dollar, even though strong consumption could provide the Federal Reserve with some breathing space regarding the timing of future rate cuts. Jason Schenker, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 This move also gives the club some breathing space in terms of succession planning with Salah into the final year of his contract, though Chiesa is not a like-for-like replacement. Gillian Kasirye, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 Lowering borrowing costs could ease some of the pressure felt by businesses and consumers, providing more breathing space to hire or make purchases. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2024 When the cease-fire lapsed, the hostilities that followed ultimately favored Israel, which benefitted from the breathing space allowed by negotiations. Eric Min, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for breathing space 

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathing space was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near breathing space

Cite this Entry

“Breathing space.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathing%20space. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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