breathe (new) life into (someone or something)

1. Literally, to revive someone who is not breathing, as by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation The lifeguard was able to pull the drowning boy from the pool and breathe life into him, thank goodness. A: "I didn't know he couldn't swim." B: "Thank goodness you were there to start chest compressions and breath life into him." Luckily, we didn't have to breathe new life into the girl after she fainted. Actually, she came to pretty quickly.

2. By extension, to rejuvenate, revitalize, or reinvigorate someone or something that has become dull, stale, or stuck in a rut. The new CEO's creative approach really breathed new life into that failing company. The hiatus has clearly breathed life into the writer, as her newest novel is the most exciting and engaging of her whole career. I think that a weekend away without the kids would breathe some life into our relationship.

breathe life into

Also, breathe new life into. Revive someone or something. For example, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shows one how to breathe life into a drowning victim , or Her appointment breathed new life into the firm. This term is used both literally, for reviving a person who has stopped breathing temporarily, and figuratively, for giving new impetus to or renewing some project. Also see breath of fresh air.

breathe (new) ˈlife into something

improve something by introducing new ideas and making people more interested in it: She has breathed new life into a product that was tired and out-of-date.