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Meaning of expect with bated breath
to wait for something to happen with a feeling of excited or anxious anticipation
Etymology of expect with bated breath
The phrase "bated breath" originated in the 16th century, from the verb "bait", which means to stop or restrain, and "breath", referring to the act of holding one's breath in anticipation or suspense.
The phrase is often attributed to Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice", where the character Shylock says "Shall I bend low and, in a bondman's key, / With bated breath and whispering humbleness, / Say this...".
Synonyms
await with anticipation
wait with bated breath
eagerly await
look forward to
anticipate with excitement
wait anxiously
expect with great anticipation
be on tenterhooks
be in suspense
hold one's breath
wait with great expectation
anticipate with bated breath
be eager to see
wait to hear
expect to happen
be on the edge of one's seat
await news
wait for the outcome
be in a state of anticipation
look forward with eagerness
await the result
wait to find out
expect something to happen
be filled with anticipation
wait to discover
anticipate the outcome
be in a state of expectation
wait for the verdict
expect to learn
await the decision
wait with great eagerness
Definitions
- The phrase "expect with bated breath" means to wait for something to happen with a feeling of excited or anxious anticipation, often holding one's breath in suspense.
- * It is used to describe a state of intense anticipation or expectation, often accompanied by a sense of excitement, anxiety, or nervousness.
Usage Examples
- The crowd waited with bated breath as the judge announced the winner of the contest.
- * She expected the news of her exam results with bated breath, having studied hard for months.
- * The audience held their breath as the magician performed the final trick.
Antonyms
wait without interest
lack anticipation
be unenthusiastic
show indifference
be apathetic
wait without excitement
lack expectation
be unexpectant
show disinterest
be unconcerned
wait patiently
lack suspense
be calm
show serenity
be unruffled
wait without anxiety
lack eagerness
be unenthusiastic
show lethargy