Sigh of relief Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/saɪ əv riːˈliːf/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Phrase

Definition

A feeling of comfort or reassurance that comes from a difficult or uncertain situation being resolved or alleviated.

Examples

• She let out a sigh of relief when she received the news that she got the job.
• There was a collective sigh of relief in the room when the crisis was averted.

Synonyms

• Breath of fresh air
• Sense of security

Antonyms

• Anxiety
• Trepidation

Additional Information

A sigh of relief is a common idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of comfort or reassurance after a difficult or uncertain situation has been resolved. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as receiving good news, overcoming a challenge, or avoiding a difficult situation.

In everyday language, a sigh of relief is often accompanied by a deep breath out, which is a physical manifestation of the emotional release that comes with feeling relieved.

The phrase is often used in situations where there is a sense of uncertainty or tension, such as in sports, politics, or personal relationships. For example, a team might breathe a sigh of relief after winning a close game, or a person might feel a sense of relief after finally resolving a long-standing issue.

Etymology

The phrase “sigh of relief” is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, when a sigh was seen as a physical expression of emotional release. Over time, the phrase evolved to become a common idiomatic expression used to convey a sense of comfort or reassurance.

Usage Notes

The phrase “sigh of relief” is often used in informal language, but it can also be used in formal writing or public speaking to convey a sense of relief or reassurance.

In general, the phrase is used to describe a positive emotional response to a situation, rather than a negative one.

Cultural References

The phrase “sigh of relief” has been used in popular culture, such as in movies, TV shows, and literature, to convey a sense of relief or reassurance.

For example, in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” the character Andy Dufresne is shown to breathe a sigh of relief after finally escaping from prison.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Breathe a sigh of relief
• Let out a sigh of relief

Related Words or Phrases

• Relief
• Comfort
• Solace

Collocations

• Feel a sigh of relief
• Breathe a collective sigh of relief

Frequency of Use

The phrase “sigh of relief” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in informal conversations and online communication.

Common Misspellings

• Sigh of releif
• Sigh of releave