catching a break
Finally some relief
Catching a break means getting a lucky opportunity or favorable turn of events, especially after a string of difficulties or setbacks.
The phrase implies relief from persistent bad fortune rather than ordinary good luck.
After months of rejection letters, she finally caught a break when a small publisher accepted her manuscript.
Someone who can't catch a break seems cursed by continuous misfortune, while those who catch all the breaks enjoy unearned advantages.
- serendipityAccidental fortunate discovery
- reprievePostponement of punishment
- respiteShort pause from hardship
- reliefEasing of distress
- chanceLikelihood of occurrence
deliverance · fortune · breakthrough · stepping stone · pause · cut some slack · salvation · breath · opening · fresh start · alleviation · turning point · lifeline · boon · silver lining · second chance · windfall · blessing
catching a breakhitting a wall
Reaching an insurmountable obstacle
striking out · when it rains it pours · falling on hard times · ill-fated · star-crossed
catching a breakno end in sight
Without foreseeable conclusion
spinning one's wheels · treading water · burning out · slogging through · drowning
catch, catches, caught, catcher, catchers, catching, catchable, break, breaks