Bated breath first appeared in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice in 1605. Using a shortened form of abated, which means "stopped or reduced," the phrase refers to people holding their breath in …

Bated breath What's the meaning of the phrase 'Bated breath'? Breathing that is subdued because of some emotion or difficulty. ‘Waiting with bated breath’ is holding your breath in anticipation.

Nov 30, 2025 · The meaning of WITH BATED BREATH is in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen. How to use with bated breath in a sentence.

Bated breath is an idiomatic expression that means holding one’s breath in excitement. Learn its origin and difference from baited breath.

It was a verb used in falconry, meaning to jump violently from a perch to the falconer’s fist. That would often involve a flapping of wings and straining against the leash in an effort to escape.

Aug 12, 2025 · Always remember: The phrase is “bated breath”, meaning to wait anxiously or in suspense. Don’t confuse it: “Baited breath” is incorrect, although widely misused.

With bated breath definition: Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means “holding one's breath” (bate means “restrain”).

Jul 23, 2024 · The idiom “bated breath” has an interesting history rooted in English literature and language evolution. The phrase means holding one’s breath in anticipation or suspense, often with a …

Nov 2, 2019 · “Bated breath” is an idiomatic expression that means to wait anxiously or eagerly for something, often in suspense. It suggests that someone is holding their breath in anticipation of an …

Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means "holding one's breath" ( bate means "restrain").