busman’s holiday A vacation or day off from work spent in an activity of the same nature as one’s usual occupation. There are Britishers who say that the regular driver of a London bus actually did spend one of his days off riding as a passenger alongside the driver who was taking his place, but thus far no evidence has been found to substantiate the story. The expression has been in use since 1893.

come up for air To take a breather, take five, take time out; to relax, rest, or enjoy a respite. The phrase implies that one has been so inundated with work or immersed in work that he is in danger of drowning, figuratively speaking; like an underwater swimmer or a diver he must pause to refresh himself and recoup his powers for the next lap.

hang up one’s hatchet See RETIREMENT.

pit stop A brief stop at a restaurant or rest area to break the monotony of an automobile trip and allow passengers to stretch their legs; a short stay at a place while en route to a distant destination. This expression derives from the auto racing pit referring to the area alongside a speedway where cars stop to be serviced or refueled.

rest on one’s oars To relax after strenuous exertion; to suspend one’s efforts temporarily; to take it easy for a while. Often this boating phrase is extended to mean ceasing one’s labors altogether, relying on the momentum of past performance to carry one along. In this sense it is virtually synonymous with rest on one’s laurels. Rest on one’s oars was used literally in the early 18th century, and figuratively shortly thereafter.