with baited breath
Tensely anticipating something
With baited breath is a common misspelling of "with bated breath," meaning in a state of anxious anticipation or suspense.
The correct form uses bate, an archaic shortening of abate—breath held back or restrained.
The misspelling imagines breath as bait, perhaps luring an outcome, but this is folk etymology: We waited with bated breath for the results.
- on pins and needlesIn anxious suspense
- on tenterhooksNervously awaiting an outcome
- nail-bitinglyIn suspenseful fashion
- clenched fistsHands tightly closed
- hopefulnessExpectation of positive outcomes
fingers crossed · anticipation · dry mouth · keyed up · anxiety · eagerness · goosebumps · curiosity · gaspingly · suspense · waiting game · clock ticking · excitement · nervousness · white-knuckled · sweaty palms · impatience · sitting tight
with baited breathindifferently
Without preference or concern
apathetically · unconcernedly · disinterestedly · unenthusiastically · dispassionately
with baited breathcalmly
In a tranquil manner
coolly · serenely · composedly · unflappably · placidly
with baited breathcouldn't care less
Complete absence of concern
uncaringly · obliviously · distractedly · dismissively · absently
with, bait, baited, baiting, breath, breathe, breathed, breathing, breaths