give (something) a rest
To cease doing something, usually temporarily. The doctor told me I have to give running a rest until my ankle heals.
give something a rest
If someone gives something a rest, they stop doing it for a period of time. I have been giving team fishing a rest this season.
give something a ˈrest
(informal) stop doing something for a while: He first started his university degree some ten years ago, but gave it a rest for a few years before starting again last year.