catch one's breath

Power caught his breath and looked at the people waiting to see the film.

The man caught his breath suddenly, and looked quickly back down at the floor.

He'd caught his breath when her hair had come down.

I caught my breath and told him to get going.

She caught her breath, then looked at the ground again.

He caught his breath, but couldn't make himself look away from her.

He caught his breath and couldn't look her in the eyes.

And I could use a little time to catch my breath.

"I could have another six months and still not catch my breath."

Before she could catch her breath, he was out the door.