grab some air

verb4

1. •
   To go outside for some fresh air; get some air.

   • I was grabbing some air outside the Cavu Club when, far above me, I heard the slow clang of geese bucking head winds, winging north. — 1953
2. •
   To catch one's breath; to take deep breaths after stressful or strenuous activity or after holding one's breath.

   • Grab some air. Don't flail. Get horizontal. Grab some air again. Relax. — 2013
3. •
   To become airborne; catch air.

   • Whap! A small surfboard goes by, grabbing some air. — 1988
4. •
   (slang) To gain altitude.

   • Instantly I applied full throttle, and eased back on the wheel, hoping that our friend, the T-craft would grab some air and put a few feet between us and all that snow and ice. — 1957