胸むねを撫なで下おろす

expression, godan verb (-su)

feel relieved; be relieved

Idiomatic expression for the physical sensation of relief after worry or tension; literally 'stroke down one's chest'.

See also: 撫で下ろす

• 無ぶ事じだと聞きいて胸むねを撫なで下おろした。

  I was relieved to hear that everyone was safe.

• 試し験けんが終おわって胸むねを撫なで下おろした。

  I felt relieved after the exam was over.