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

Liverpool fans - and the world of football in general - will be waiting to find out the next installment with bated breath.

From BBC

Swiss industry is waiting with bated breath.

From BBC

It often is wielded as a kind of roving “gotcha” narrative, in which we the public are encouraged to wait with bated breath for the drip-drip-drip revelation of the next big name to be outed as having been connected to Epstein and the one after that—Elon Musk!

From Slate

"Many will be waiting with bated breath for the Budget. This waiting game, alongside forecasts for inflation to remain above target, makes it less likely for the Bank of England to make further rate cuts this year," she said.

From BBC

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