With bated breath
adverb
To wait for something with great excitement or anxiety.
I was waiting with bated breath to hear the result of the contest.
Often appears as...
- wait with bated breath
- watch with bated breath
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
To wait for something with great excitement or anxiety.
I was waiting with bated breath to hear the result of the contest.
Often appears as...
- wait with bated breath
- watch with bated breath
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies emotional investment, showing someone is deeply concerned or involved.
She watched the election results with bated breath, fearing for the future.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectant Silence
Conveys a sense of silent anticipation, as if one is holding their breath waiting.
The courtroom waited with bated breath as the jury returned with the verdict.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression and doesn't mean someone is literally holding their breath.
Fans waited with bated breath for the band to come on stage, their excitement palpable.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies emotional investment, showing someone is deeply concerned or involved.
She watched the election results with bated breath, fearing for the future.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectant Silence
Conveys a sense of silent anticipation, as if one is holding their breath waiting.
The courtroom waited with bated breath as the jury returned with the verdict.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression and doesn't mean someone is literally holding their breath.
Fans waited with bated breath for the band to come on stage, their excitement palpable.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase often implies emotional investment, showing someone is deeply concerned or involved.
She watched the election results with bated breath, fearing for the future.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectant Silence
Conveys a sense of silent anticipation, as if one is holding their breath waiting.
The courtroom waited with bated breath as the jury returned with the verdict.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's a figurative expression and doesn't mean someone is literally holding their breath.
Fans waited with bated breath for the band to come on stage, their excitement palpable.
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