Also called breathing spell. an opportunity to rest or think.
2.
sufficient space in which to move, work, etc.:
The train was so crowded that there was hardly breathing space.
Origin
1640-50
British Dictionary definitions for breathing space
breathing space
noun
1.
enough area to permit freedom of movement: the country gives us some breathing space
2.
a pause for rest, etc: a coffee break was their only breathing space
Idioms and Phrases with breathing space
breathing space
.
Room or time in which to breathe, as in In that crowded hall, there was hardly any breathing space. Previously this term was put as breathing room. [ Mid-1600s ]
.
A rest or pause. For example, I can't work at this all day; I need some breathing space. This usage replaced the earlier breathing while. [ Mid-1600s ]