WebSep 26, 2024 · Bated breath refers to holding one’s breath in excitement or anxiety. It refers to a situation where there is a lot of anticipation and nervousness about something that is going to happen. For example, if you have participated in a competition and awaiting the results you will be waiting with bated breath. WebNoun The act of expecting or anticipating expectation anticipation expectancy eagerness excitement hope suspense expectance hopefulness high expectations waiting impatience …
bate Etymology, origin and meaning of bate by etymonline
WebFeb 22, 2024 · The meaning of “bated breath” is to wait for something or someone with nervous excitement. You can use the phrase in any scenario where you are anxiously expecting an outcome, and the result could … WebTo bate means to hold back or restrain, and you may see it in language that's either old or meant to sound old. A relative of bate appears in the phrase "with bated breath," which describes what you do when you anxiously wait. phoenix whitechapel
Bated breath - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
WebOct 4, 2024 · bate (v.2) c. 1300, "to contend with blows or arguments," from Old French batre "to hit, beat, strike" (11c., Modern French battre ), from Late Latin battere, from Latin batuere "to beat, knock" (see batter (v.)). In falconry, "to beat the wings impatiently and flutter away from the perch." The figurative sense of "flutter downward" is attested ... WebJan 18, 2003 · It's "bated breath." It means waiting while holding your breath; compare the popular saying "Don't hold your breath," used when the wait for something is expected to be long and, more likely, the thing may never come. "Bate" means "to lessen the force of; moderate" and is related to "abate" (American Heritage Dictionary). Bated breath James ... Web1 day ago · (ˈbeɪtɪd ) adjective (of breath) held Every Monday the whole office used to wait with bated breath for his report. We listened with bated breath to Grandma's stories of her … tttearchives