with bated breath

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

with bated breath

My 8-year-old Lego-maniac son waited with bated breath for two new Lego Smart Play Star Wars sets—Luke’s X-wing and Darth Vader’s TIE fighter—to come in the mail.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

Until then, I’ll just have to wait with bated breath.

From Salon ● May 23, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2026

“He isn’t home,” I said with bated breath.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane