catch one's breath

English

Verb

catch one's breath

  1. To take a break, or rest while doing a strenuous activity, so that one's breathing becomes easier.
    They stopped for a moment at the end of the set to catch their breath before resuming play.
  2. To take in a breath sharply and hold it, usually in reaction to a sudden shock, or surprise.
    John caught his breath when he saw the bottle rolling unstoppably towards the opposite edge of the table.

Translations

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