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to breathe a sigh of relief
01
to feel relief or relaxation because a period of worry, stress, or anticipation has passed
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "breathe a sigh of relief" and when to use it?
The idiom "breathe a sigh of relief" originates from the natural human response of exhaling audibly when feeling relieved after a period of stress, anxiety, or worry. The expression combines "breathe," meaning to take air into and expel it from the lungs, with "sigh of relief," a common phrase used to describe the audible breath that signifies relaxation and alleviation of stress. It is used to describe the feeling of relaxation and release that comes after a stressful or anxious situation resolves positively.
Examples
After days of uncertainty, they finally received good news and could breathe a sigh of relief.
