# take a breath

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-breath
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to inhale and subsequently exhale air

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.