hold one's breath
Stop breathing temporarily
To hold one's breath is to stop breathing temporarily, whether underwater, to avoid inhaling something unpleasant, or in suspense: She held her breath as they announced the winner.
The phrase often appears in the negative to express skepticism that something will happen: They promised reforms, but I'm not holding my breath.
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- awaitRemain expectant for
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
- eagernessIntense willingness to act
hope · countdown · watching · waiting · edge of seat · nail-biting · cliffhanger · tension
Entering water deliberately
- submergePlunge beneath liquid
- swimMove through water
- snorkelUnderwater breathing pipe
- scubaPortable underwater breathing gear
freedive · plunge · surface · lungful · oxygen · apnea · buoyancy · depths
State of anxious unease
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- worryTroubled mental state
- uneaseMild persistent worry
stress · jitters · trepidation · fear · panic · restlessness · edginess · alarm
Depriving of air
- airlessHaving no atmosphere
- stuffyLacking fresh air
- oppressiveUnjustly harsh or stifling
- smotheringDepriving of air
choking · unventilated · stagnant · fumes · smoke · gasp · noxious · toxic
suspense
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
- awaitRemain expectant for
- excitementState of eager enthusiasm
eagerness · hope · countdown · watching · waiting · edge of seat · nail-biting · cliffhanger · tension · buildup
diving
Entering water deliberately
scuba · freedive · plunge · surface · lungful · oxygen · apnea · buoyancy · depths · goggles
nervousness
State of anxious unease
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- dreadIntense anticipatory fear
- worryTroubled mental state
unease · stress · jitters · trepidation · fear · panic · restlessness · edginess · alarm · disquiet
suffocating
Depriving of air
- airlessHaving no atmosphere
- stuffyLacking fresh air
- oppressiveUnjustly harsh or stifling
smothering · choking · unventilated · stagnant · fumes · smoke · gasp · noxious · toxic · pollution
hold one's breathexhale
Expel breath outward
breathe out · breathe freely · breathe · respire · sigh
hold, holds, holding, holder, holders, holdout, holdover, stronghold, foothold