sigh of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

'sigh of relief' is a phrase that is commonly used in written English and can be used in a variety of situations.
For example: After months of preparation, the team finally passed their exam with flying colors, letting out a sigh of relief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big sigh of relief".

The New York Times - Sports

Emit sigh of relief.

The New York Times

Finally, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The New York Times

Residents breathed a sigh of relief.

The New York Times

Banks breathed a sigh of relief, however.

The Economist

They simultaneously exhaled a sigh of relief.

The New York Times

Cue a collective sigh of relief.

Independent

He breathed a sigh of relief.

The New York Times

The city heaved a sigh of relief.

The Economist

"It was a sigh of relief".

The New York Times

Then a sigh of relief goes up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sigh of relief" to clearly convey a sense of liberation from stress or anxiety after a challenging situation resolves. Ensure the context establishes the preceding difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "sigh of relief" in situations where there was no prior stress or worry. The phrase's impact relies on the understanding that a burden has been lifted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sigh of relief" functions as a noun phrase that describes an audible exhalation expressing the feeling of relief or release from stress, anxiety, or danger. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from sports to personal experiences, consistently conveying this sense of alleviation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sigh of relief" is a commonly used noun phrase that expresses a feeling of release from stress or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Academia. While closely related phrases such as "breath of relief" or "feeling of reassurance" offer similar meanings, it’s important to ensure the context warrants the implication of prior stress. Avoiding misuse and understanding the neutral register will enhance effective communication. Its widespread presence in authoritative sources ensures its reliability and appropriateness in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breath of relief

A more direct synonym focusing on the act of breathing to express relief.

exhalation of relief

Similar to "breath of relief", but more descriptive and emphasizes the physical act.

wave of relief

Conveys the feeling of relief as an overwhelming surge.

feeling of reassurance

Focuses on the emotional state of being reassured after a period of uncertainty.

release of tension

Highlights the physical aspect of stress leaving the body.

sense of calm

Emphasizes the resulting tranquility from the resolution of a stressful situation.

a weight off one's shoulders

An idiomatic expression indicating a significant burden has been lifted.

alleviation of anxiety

A more formal way to describe the reduction of worry or stress.

exude contentment

Focuses on the outward expression of inner peace and satisfaction.

discharge of worry

Emphasizes the release and removal of concern or apprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "sigh of relief" to describe a feeling of comfort after a stressful situation ends. For example, "After the surgery was successful, the family breathed a "sigh of relief"".

What are some alternatives to "sigh of relief"?

Alternatives include "breath of relief", "feeling of reassurance", or "sense of calm", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "breathed a sigh of relief"?

Yes, "breathed a sigh of relief" is a correct and commonly used expression. It emphasizes the physical act of exhaling to express relief, as in "Everyone breathed a "sigh of relief" when the danger passed".

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

"Sigh of relief" implies a gentle, gradual release of tension, while "rush of relief" suggests a sudden, intense wave of comfort. The choice depends on the intensity of the emotional experience you wish to describe.