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.

Caddell described the funding as a "stop gap", adding that "people will be waiting with bated breath to find out what's going to happen".

From BBC • Mar. 16, 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

Outside the Dream Stage tryout room, Jaelyn Jones waits with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

He waited with bated breath as it came nearer.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

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