pb said:
What differences are there between "hold one's breath" and "catch one's breath"? I 'd like to know the difference in nuance.
hold one's breath = stop one's breath
catch one's breath = find one's breath
Examples
We've been jogging for 30 minutes. I need to stop and catch my breath.
==> I need to stop and rest.
They're going to announce the winner right now. I'm so nervous. My breathing is loud, so I'm going to hold my breath.
==> I'm going to make myself stop breathing, because the sound of my breathing is really loud right now and maybe I won't be able to hear them announce the winner.
