PhrasesHub

Bated breath

    Definitions

      • anticipation
        To wait anxiously and eagerly for something to happen, often with excitement or nervousness

      • holding back
        To control or suppress one's breath, often due to fear or intense emotion

    Examples of Bated breath

    • The jury listened intently as the judge delivered the verdict, holding their breath as if their very life depended on the outcome.

      The word "bated" means suppressed, and in this context, it refers to holding one's breath, which is a sign of intense anticipation or anxiety. When the jury listened intently to the judge's verdict, they held their breath in suspense, eagerly waiting to hear whether they would be found guilty or innocent.

    • Every time the magician pulled out another rabbit from the hat, the audience watched with bated breath, wondering what new trick he would come up with.

      In this example, "bated breath" is used metaphorically to describe the intense focus and concentration that the audience had while watching the magician's performance. They held their breath, eagerly anticipating the next surprise.

    • The final episode of the thrilling TV series left the viewers on the edge of their seats, holding their bated breath as the plot thickened and the suspense built up.

      In this example, "bated breath" is used to describe the intense excitement and anticipation that the viewers felt while watching the final episode of the TV series. They held their breath, eagerly waiting to see how the plot would unfold.

    • As the tennis players served the ball, the crowd held their bated breath, watching intently to see who would win the point.

      In this example, "bated breath" is used to describe the tension and anticipation that existed in the atmosphere during the tennis match. The crowd held their breath, eagerly waiting to see who would win the point.

    • The chess players sat across the board, both holding their bated breath as they made their final moves, hoping to outmaneuver their opponent.

      In this example, "bated breath" is used to describe the intense focus and concentration that the chess players had during the game. They held their breath, eagerly anticipating the outcome of the final moves.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bated breath" is commonly used to express a feeling of anticipation or holding back one's breath. It is often used when waiting for something important or exciting to happen, and can convey a sense of nervousness or excitement.

    In some cases, "bated breath" can also refer to physically holding back one's breath, often due to fear or intense emotion. This usage can be seen in phrases such as "bated breath and racing heart," indicating a strong emotional response.

    Overall, the idiom "bated breath" is used to convey a sense of heightened emotion and anticipation, whether in a positive or negative context.

    Origin of "Bated breath"

    The origin of the idiom "bated breath" can be traced back to Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice," written in 1596. In Act I, Scene III, the character Gratiano says, "With bated breath and whisp'ring humbleness." The word "bated" is a shortened form of the word "abated," meaning to lessen or reduce. Therefore, "bated breath" refers to a lessened or reduced breath, as if one is holding their breath in anticipation.

    In earlier versions of the play, the phrase was written as "baite breath," indicating that the word "bated" may have come from the Old French word "battre," meaning to beat. This could suggest that holding one's breath in anticipation causes the heart to beat faster.

    Over time, the phrase "bated breath" became a common way to express a feeling of anticipation or holding one's breath. It is now a popular idiom used in everyday language.