Wiktionary
breathing spell
n. An opportunity to rest or give thought to a situation; a short respite.
WordNet
breathing spell
n. a short respite [syn: breath, breather, breathing place, breathing space, breathing time]
Usage examples of "breathing spell".
With Jasra a prisoner, Luke in sick bay and Ghostwheel occupied it seemed that any major threats to Amber or myself were in abeyance, and a small breathing spell could be justified.
Because the mountainside was so steep we had to pick our way carefully, stopping from time to time to give the horses a breathing spell.
At least they would have a breathing spell before her powers returned.