a breath of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

"a breath of relief" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling of relief or relaxation after experiencing stress or anxiety. Example: After months of studying and preparing, she finally received her exam results with high marks, and she let out a sigh of a breath of relief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That was a breath of relief.

The New York Times - Sports

"Coming home, I always feel a breath of relief.

The New York Times

"With the arrival of the local police, people took a breath of relief".

The New York Times - Magazine

Then we sighed a breath of relief when the jointlike cigarette was done.

The New York Times

He unsheathed a Parliament and took a long drag, as though he were taking in a breath of relief.

The New York Times

Then, before anyone could sigh a breath of relief after that crisis, Lehman was on the brink.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The houses were blocky, unpainted, blatant; only in the rooflines, which never failed to end in a vestigial Far Eastern upturning, was there a breath of aesthetic relief.

The New Yorker

He 'never read a good English novel without drawing a long breath of relief' that America was 'not part and parcel of that dark, dense, social fabric' and he described the English upper classes as 'rotten and collapsible like the French aristocracy before 1789'.

The Guardian - Books

A warm tingle of familiarity ran down his spine and he let out a soft breath of relief.

The New Yorker

A communal breath of relief.

Huffington Post

— lasts a page or two and then gives over to a long, slow breath of relief.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a breath of relief" to express a feeling of relaxation or freedom after a period of stress or anxiety. For example, after a difficult project is completed, describing the feeling as "a breath of relief" can effectively convey the emotional release.

Common error

Avoid using "a breath of relief" when describing situations where distress is ongoing or only temporarily alleviated. The phrase implies a more complete resolution of a problem, not just a brief respite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a breath of relief" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a specific feeling of release or alleviation from stress, anxiety, or worry. As Ludwig AI has pointed out, the phrase is used correctly and commonly in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a breath of relief" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that effectively communicates a sense of easing or liberation after a period of stress or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media sources. While it's suitable for neutral registers, it's important to use it appropriately, reserving its application for situations that involve genuine alleviation rather than temporary respites. Consider alternatives like "a sense of relief" or "a wave of relief" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "a breath of relief" remains a versatile and expressive phrase for capturing moments of welcomed ease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of relief

Focuses on the feeling rather than the action of relieving tension.

a wave of relief

Implies a sudden and overwhelming feeling of relief.

a sigh of contentment

Emphasizes satisfaction more than release from stress.

a feeling of reassurance

Highlights the restoration of confidence.

a load off one's mind

Idiomatic expression suggesting a significant reduction in worry.

peace of mind

Describes a state of tranquility rather than an action.

an easing of tension

Focuses on the reduction of stress.

a moment of calm

Highlights tranquility following a stressful event.

a break from worry

Suggests a temporary escape from anxious thoughts.

a lightening of spirit

Implies a buoyant emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "a breath of relief" in a sentence?

You can use "a breath of relief" to describe a feeling of relaxation after a stressful event. Example: "After the surgery was over, she felt "a breath of relief" knowing everything went well."

What are some alternatives to "a breath of relief"?

Some alternatives include "a sense of relief", "a wave of relief", or "a sigh of contentment", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "a breath of relief"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a feeling of freedom or relaxation after a stressful period or event has concluded, offering a sense of resolution.

What's the difference between "a breath of relief" and "a sigh of relief"?

"A breath of relief" suggests a broader, more pervasive feeling of ease and relaxation, while "a sigh of relief" typically refers to a more immediate and physical expression of release.