[breathe] a sigh of relief
1
to feel relief or relaxation because a period of worry, stress, or anticipation has passed
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.
- After days of uncertainty, they finally received good news and could breathe a sigh of relief.
- When the test results came back negative, she breathed a sigh of relief.
- After the storm passed without causing any damage, the residents breathed a collective sigh of relief.
- After weeks of uncertainty, the deal was finally signed, and both parties breathed a sigh of relief.
- When the missing child was found unharmed, the entire community breathed a collective sigh of relief.