come up for air

come up for air

1. Lit. to lift one's head out of the water to breathe. •

After staying under water for almost a minute, Jason had to come up for air.

2. Fig. to stop what one is doing for a different activity or rest. •

Whenever you get off the phone and come up for air, I have a question for you.

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I want you to go to the store for me when you come up for air.

3. Fig. to stop kissing for a moment and breathe. •

Don't those kids ever come up for air?

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When are you two going to come up for air?