with bated breath
In anxious suspense
With bated breath describes waiting in tense anticipation, holding one's breath in suspense or anxiety.
Bated is a shortened form of abated—breath that is restrained or held back: We waited with bated breath for the test results.
The phrase often appears in contexts of eager expectation or nervous suspense.
- on edgeTense and anxious
- breathlessLacking air, gasping
- pins and needlesTingling in extremities
- raptDeeply absorbed, fascinated
- anticipationState of awaiting something
anxiety · apprehension · nervousness · sweaty palms · dry mouth · suspense · fear · eagerness · on tenterhooks · white knuckle · waiting · Shakespearean language · excitement · sitting tight · cliffhangers · dramatic tension · hopefulness · tension
- anticipationanticipating, expectation, expectancy, expecting, awaiting
- manner of listeningactively, passively, attentively, intently, closely
with bated breathcalmly
In a tranquil manner
casually · nonchalantly · dispassionately · impassively · unconcernedly
with bated breathapathetically
Without interest or emotion
couldn't care less · dismissively · inattentively · half-heartedly · uncaringly