catch one's breath
1．breathe in suddenly with fear or surprise；rest and get back normal breathing 因恐惧或兴奋而屏住呼吸；喘气以恢复正常呼吸
The story is full of surprises which cause the reader to catch his breath．这个故事充满了惊险情节，使读者紧张得透不过气来。
After running to the bus stop we sat down to catch our breath．我们跑到车站后坐下来喘气。
2．relax for a moment 放松一下
After a day's work they sat down over tea to catch their breath．工作一天后，他们坐下来喝茶放松一下。