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

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

They had to keep retreating into the shadows of a gateway, ducking down behind a wall, or climbing through a window and waiting with bated breath for the guard to pass by.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke