breathe life into
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Related to breathe life into: settle in, fill the void
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.
2. By extension, to revitalize something that has become dull or stale. The new CEO's creative approach really breathed new life into that failing company.
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.