Crossword Genius

Allowing no breathing space (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airtight

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'allowing no breathing' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'space' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'space' could be 'air' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'air' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'tight' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for airtight that I've seen before include "not letting out a breath?" , "Totally sealed" , "Not allowing gas to enter or escape" , "(Of a defence) having no weaknesses" , "Impenetrable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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