take a breath
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
take a breath (third-person singular simple present takes a breath, present participle taking a breath, simple past took a breath, past participle taken a breath)
- (idiomatic) to inhale and subsequently exhale air
- 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 15, in The China Governess:
- She paused and took a defiant breath. ‘If you don't believe me, I can't help it. But I'm not a liar.’
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- (idiomatic) to pause or rest after strenuous activity
- (idiomatic) to calm down
Derived terms
- take a deep breath
Translations
to inhale especially after strenuous activity
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