take a breath
to inhale and subsequently exhale air
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Take a breath and relax for a moment.”
“Before you answer such a difficult question, take a breath to clear your mind.”
“She paused to take a breath, steadying her nerves before she stepped onto the stage to address the large crowd.”
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
breath of fresh air
Something relieving, refreshing, or new.
- 03
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 04
don't hold your breath
Don't wait. Said cynically to suggest that what has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen soon or at all.
- 05
draw one's last breath
To die.
- 06
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
- 07
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
- 08
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
Last updated August 10, 2026