a breath of air

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A small amount of fresh air, especially when you need it.

   Grammar: Often used with 'get' or 'need': 'I need a breath of air.'

   Patterns

   • get a breath of air
   • need a breath of air
   • take a breath of air

   It was so hot in the room that I stepped outside for a breath of air.

   After working all day, she went to the balcony to get a breath of air.

   The baby was crying, so he took her outside for a breath of air.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   A short moment of relief or a brief pause to breathe.

   Grammar: Often used figuratively: 'The break gave me a breath of air.'

   Patterns

   • give someone a breath of air
   • a breath of air from something

   The vacation was a breath of air after months of stress.

   A short walk gave him a breath of air before the meeting continued.

   The good news was a breath of air for the whole team.

Common combinations

get a breath of air

Let's go outside and get a breath of air.

need a breath of air

I need a breath of air; it's too stuffy in here.

take a breath of air

He opened the window to take a breath of air.

Synonyms and how they differ

fresh air

Fresh air refers to the air outside in general; a breath of air emphasizes a small amount you breathe in.

Word family

breath noun

The air you take into your lungs and let out.

breathe verb

To take air into your lungs and let it out.

Commonly confused: a breath of air or breath of fresh air?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a breath of air”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words