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catch one's breath

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. to take a break, or rest while doing a strenuous activity, so that one's breathing becomes easier
  2. to take in a breath sharply and hold it, usually in reaction to a sudden shock, or surprise

Equivalents

15 more languages

Examples

“They stood for a moment at the end⟳ of the set⟳ to catch⟳ their breath before resuming play⟳.”
“John caught his breath when he saw⟳ the bottle rolling unstoppably towards the opposite edge of the table.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

catch one's death catch out catch red-handed catch sight of catch some rays catch some z's

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