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

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

We wait with bated breath to hear about others apparently in the crosshairs of would-be “efficiency” cuts.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2025

This isn’t just the story of a young woman doing the seemingly impossible — it’s a mass media story taking place in a newly globalized world that’s collectively listening with bated breath.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2024

Dabbing at his streaming nose, Filch squinted unpleasantly at Harry, who waited with bated breath for his sentence to fall.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling