THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Take a breather

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Have a short rest from an activity.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

Let’s take a breather before we move the remaining boxes.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

Let’s ________ before we move the remaining boxes.

Show the answer

Take a breather — Have a short rest from an activity.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Take a breather” about your own life.

Your sentence (optional)

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Have a short rest from an activity.

Compare: Let’s take a breather before we move the remaining boxes.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this informal expression when suggesting a brief pause during work, study or physical activity. It sounds friendly and practical.

More examples in context

I took a breather after an hour of editing.
The team stepped outside to take a breather between sessions.

Usage note

Keep the article “a”. A “breather” is a short rest; “take a breath” refers more directly to breathing. Taking a breather does not usually mean giving up the activity completely.

A short conversation

A: We’ve checked forty entries already.
B: Let’s take a breather and come back to the last ten with fresh eyes.
A: Good idea. I’ll put the kettle on.

One more practice question

What does “Let’s take a breather” suggest during a long task?

A. Abandoning the task permanently.
B. A short rest before continuing.

Check your answer

B. A breather is a brief break, usually followed by returning to the activity.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.