PhrasesHub

With bated breath

    Definitions

      • anxious or excited anticipation
        To describe a state of suspense or nervous excitement while waiting for something to happen or be revealed.

      • holding one's breath in suspense or fear
        To describe the physical act of holding one's breath in suspense or fear, often in response to an uncertain or intense situation.

    Examples of With bated breath

    • The audience sat with bated breath as the suspenseful movie reached its climax.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where people are holding their breath in anticipation of something. It can be used to describe a moment of intense suspense or excitement. In this example, the audience is waiting for the outcome of the movie with great anticipation, not wanting to miss a single moment.

    • The athlete waited with bated breath for the judge's decision, unsure if she had won the gold medal.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a competitive situation. The athlete is uncertain about the outcome of the competition and is holding her breath, waiting for the judge's decision.

    • The CEO delivered his presentation with bated breath, hoping that his ideas would be well-received by the board.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a professional setting. The CEO is nervous about presenting his ideas to the board and is holding his breath, waiting to see if they will be accepted.

    • The student nervously waited with bated breath for the results of her exam, hoping that she had passed.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in an academic setting. The student is unsure if she has passed her exam and is holding her breath, waiting for the results.

    • The doctor delivered the news with bated breath, unsure of how the patient would react.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a medical setting. The doctor is uncertain about how the patient will react to the news and is holding his breath, waiting to see how they will respond.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "with bated breath" is commonly used to convey a sense of eager anticipation or suspense. It can also describe a state of nervousness or fear, often in response to a situation that is uncertain or intense. The phrase is typically used in a figurative sense, but can also refer to the physical act of holding one's breath.

    Origin of "With bated breath"

    The origin of the idiom "with bated breath" can be traced back to the 16th century. The word "bated" comes from the Middle English word "abaten," meaning to reduce or diminish. The word "breath" refers to the act of breathing or the air that is inhaled and exhaled.

    The phrase was first used by William Shakespeare in his play "The Merchant of Venice" in 1596. In Act I, Scene III, the character Portia says, "With bated breath, and whisp'ring humbleness." This usage suggests that the phrase was already a well-known proverb at the time.

    The idiom may have originated from the literal meaning of "bated breath" as the phrase was used in fishing terminology to describe the act of holding one's breath in anticipation of catching a fish. Over time, the phrase evolved to take on a more figurative meaning and is now commonly used to convey a sense of eager anticipation or suspense.