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Phrase Meanings » catch one's breath
What does "catch one's breath" mean?
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Resume normal breathing after physical exertion of some kind, as in These stairs are steep; wait a minute till I catch my breath. This phrase once meant the same as hold one's breath—that is, stop breathing momentarily—a usage no longer current. [Early 1800s]
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Relax, take a rest, as in Events have been moving so fast I'd like to stop and catch my breath. [First half of 1900s]