hold one's breath

Idioms  

1. Be excited, anxious, or nervous. For example, The election was so close that I held my breath until the final results were in , or I'm holding my breath until every-one's been heard from . This expression alludes to the interruption of normal breathing; the literal usage dating from the early 1700s.

2. not hold one's breath . An expression used to mean one is not awaiting something, as in I'm hoping to hear if I got the job, but I'm not holding my breath . It often is put as an imperative, don't hold your breath , meaning “don't expect it, it's not likely,” as in They may get married this summer, but don't hold your breath . This expression in effect implies it is unwise to stop breathing until a particular event occurs, since it may never come to pass. [ Slang ; mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

One does not hold one’s breath.

From Seattle Times

Even if viewers know the outcome, it is hard not to hold one's breath as "The Rescue" unfolds, or not be moved to tears by the end.

From Salon

Even in ideal circumstances, though, one would not be wise to hold one's breath waiting for Vajiralongkorn to play his part as king.

From US News

At these levels, it would seem a no brainer for a few upgrades by Wall Street analysts but hard to hold one’s breath given the sellside’s usual M.O. and CYA first attitude.

From Forbes

A master diver in his spare time, Woods told them the best way to witness ocean life was to dive without a regulator and hold one’s breath as long as possible because bubbles would scare the fish.

From Washington Times