息いきをつく

expression, godan verb (-ku)

take a breath; take a short rest

Used when pausing to catch one's breath or taking a brief rest during an activity.

• 走はしった後あと、少すこし息いきをついた。

  After running, I took a short breath.

• 仕し事ごとの合あい間まに息いきをつく暇ひまもない。

  I don't even have time to take a short rest between tasks.