The phrase "short reprieve" means a brief break or pause from something difficult or challenging.
Sentences with «short reprieve»
Cudney returns to Canada in October for a scheduled short reprieve from active duty before he returns to Afghanistan for the remainder of his tour. (remonline.com)
This short reprieve appears to be a good thing: As of April 13, the IRS was still waiting on as many as 40 million taxpayers to file their returns. (usatoday.com)