breathing spell
Momentary rest period
A breathing spell is a brief pause or respite from activity, pressure, or difficulty—time to catch one's breath before continuing.
The ceasefire offered a breathing spell for humanitarian aid to reach the city.
The phrase suggests temporary relief rather than permanent resolution.
Scheduled performance pause
- intervalDuration between two points
- interludePause between sections
- hiatusBreak in activity
- lullTemporary period of quiet
cessation · halt · stoppage · suspension · adjournment · recess · moratorium · standstill
Period of non-operation
- siestaMidday rest
- naptimeDaytime slumber break
- breakInterrupt continuity
- respiteShort pause from hardship
relaxation · leisure · sabbatical · vacation · holiday · weekend · day off · leave
Expel breath outward
- easeLack of strain
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- solaceRelief from distress
- reprievePostponement of punishment
release · unburdening · lightening · alleviation · decompression · unwinding · de-stress · relaxation
Post-illness healing phase
- recuperationGradual return to health
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- healingRestoration of health
- restorationReturning something to condition
rejuvenation · renewal · mending · revival · comeback · remission · regeneration · second wind
intermission
Scheduled performance pause
lull · cessation · halt · stoppage · suspension · adjournment · recess · moratorium · standstill · abeyance
downtime
Period of non-operation
respite · relaxation · leisure · sabbatical · vacation · holiday · weekend · day off · leave · idle time
exhale
Expel breath outward
reprieve · release · unburdening · lightening · alleviation · decompression · unwinding · de-stress · relaxation · calm
convalescence
Post-illness healing phase
- recuperationGradual return to health
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- healingRestoration of health
restoration · rejuvenation · renewal · mending · revival · comeback · remission · regeneration · second wind · regrouping
breathing spellcrunch time
High-pressure final stretch
pressure cooker · grind · ordeal · onslaught · siege
breathing, spell, breathe, breath, breaths, breathed, breather, breathless, breathlessly