B1idiomhealthIELTS-friendly
catch your breath
USUK
to rest for a moment so that you can breathe normally again
Also used about a busy period: 'I haven't had time to catch my breath this week.'
In context
After climbing the stairs to the fifth floor, I stopped to catch my breath.
Let's sit down for a minute so I can catch my breath.
Common mistake
Incorrect: I need a minute to catch my breathe.
Correct: I need a minute to catch my breath.
More idioms about health
- a clean bill of healtha doctor's statement, after an examination, that someone is healthy
- a new lease of lifenew energy, or a chance to be active or useful again
- a ripe old agea very old age, reached in good health
- a second windnew energy that lets you continue after you felt too tired
- a shadow of your former selfmuch weaker, thinner or less impressive than before