take a breath

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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)

1. (idiomatic) to inhale and subsequently exhale air
   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 15, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:

     She paused and took a defiant breath. ‘If you don't believe me, I can't help it. But I'm not a liar.’

2. (idiomatic) to pause or rest after strenuous activity
3. (idiomatic) to calm down

• take a deep breath