Synonyms

with bated breath

Idioms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So I sent an email and waited with bated breath to see if I had finally found the smoked salmon.

From Salon

In addition to breaking barriers of representation, Bridgerton is known for its gripping storylines - and fans will be waiting with bated breath to find out what becomes of Francesca Bridgerton and Michaela Stirling's romance.

From BBC

Like the audience, Bell Media executives are waiting with bated breath for the next chapter of “Heated Rivalry.”

From Los Angeles Times

Liverpool fans - and the world of football in general - will be waiting to find out the next installment with bated breath.

From BBC

Swiss industry is waiting with bated breath.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023