with bated breath

Idioms and Phrases

Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath . This expression literally means “holding one's breath” ( bate means “restrain”). Today it is also used somewhat ironically, indicating one is not all that eager or anxious. [Late 1500s] Also see hold one's breath , def. 2.

Example Sentences

In the days that followed the 2020 election, as the nation waited with bated breath and twisted stomach for the final call on who had won, the team at the election-tracking organization Decision Desk HQ barely slept.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t know why people assume that it is any other way. Filming is very scary because there are so many people involved. Everybody waiting with bated breath and if you get it wrong, there’s a lot of silent looking at each other and the eyes roll and there,” she sighs dramatically, “‘are we really going again?’”

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, with the reservoir filled with water, I plugged in the pump and stood over my creation with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times

Finally, with the reservoir filled with water, I plugged in the pump and stood over my creation with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times

Smith is likely waiting with bated breath to see how the Supreme Court rules on the question of whether the former president enjoys presidential immunity and whether his federal election interference prosecution can move forward.

From Slate