View synonyms for

with bated breath

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.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“People are waiting with bated breath,” he said.

From

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

From

Amid the chaotic filings and deadlines and decisions issued over the past few days, lawyers attempted to parse what she was doing and why she believed she could do it as we waited with bated breath to figure out who would stop her.

From

I think we’re all also waiting with bated breath to see how hard you will go.

From

"Wisdom seems to pique the interest of people across the world. We wait each year with bated breath for her return."

From

with bad grace with bells on

Browse