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 • Feb. 28, 2026

He snatched provisional top spot in beautiful, sunny conditions, but could only watch with bated breath as his understudy took to the start hut.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

And of course the supporters, who no doubt waited with bated breath at each stage of the contract renewal talks which eventually resulted in no deal being struck.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

We wait with bated breath to hear about others apparently in the crosshairs of would-be “efficiency” cuts.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

They all drew their chairs up to the table and watched with bated breath.

From "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

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