With Bated Breath 🥶
Definition: Holding one’s breath in expectation or suspense. A Shakespearean expression that evokes imagery of restrained breathing and eager anticipation.
Example: He watched the lottery numbers being drawn with bated breath.
Synonyms: On tenterhooks, in suspense, eagerly awaiting.
Antonyms: Unconcerned, indifferent, unfazed.
Quotes and References
“Shall I bend low, and in a bondsman’s key, With bated breath, and whispering humbleness.”
— William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”
“Waiting for that call from the publisher left me with bated breath…”
— Fictive Blogger
Related Terms & Similar Expressions
- On the edge of one’s seat: Sitting anxiously or excitedly, awaiting something.
- Don’t hold your breath: A modern take meaning not to expect something to happen soon or at all.
- Bite your lip: To hold back from speaking, often used when one is anxious.
- In suspense: Another way of saying that someone is eagerly waiting for something to happen.
Proverbs
“Good things come to those who wait.” This highlights the payoffs of enduring suspense and anticipation with patience.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
Literature
- Book: “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The fox tells the prince to await his return with bated breath.
Movies
- Movie: “Inception” (2010) - The final scene keeps viewers with bated breath, questioning Cobb’s reality.
Songs
- Song: “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. The suspense in the chorus keeps listeners metaphorically “with bated breath”.
Poetry
- Poem: “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost creates suspense with simple words.
Farewell Thought: In life, waiting with bated breath can lead to moments of great joy or deep lessons. Embrace the suspense and relish the eventual outcomes.
Happy reading!
— Eloise Wordsmith
