Short rest (3-4)
(Other definitions for respite that I've seen before include "Pause from exertion, etc" , "Period of temporary relief" , "Hiatus" , "Pause; reprieve" , "See trip (anag.)" .)
'short rest' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for breather that I've seen before include "state" , "One's probably not dying" , "Brief pause for rest" , "Short rest break" , "lung, possibly?" .)
'short rest' is the definition.
(to lie down is to have a short rest; 'short' indicates a short form)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for lie-down that I've seen before include "Rest (with or without sleep)" , "Short rest" .)