give something a rest

give (something) a rest

To cease doing something, usually temporarily. The doctor told me I have to give running a rest until my ankle heals. It's time for dinner, so give that video game a rest. Give this problem a rest and come back to it in the morning—you might have some new insight then.

give something a rest

If someone gives something a rest, they stop doing it for a period of time. I have been giving team fishing a rest this season.

give something a ˈrest

(informal) stop doing something for a while: He first started his university degree some ten years ago, but gave it a rest for a few years before starting again last year.