with bated breath
idiom
: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen
They waited for the answer on their application with bated breath.
Examples of with bated breath in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Every year, restaurateurs and diners wait with bated breath to see which spots earned or lost Michelin stars, which are announced in regional ceremonies and then published in the organization’s global guides.
—
Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Nov. 2025
Sub-Saharan African nations benefitting from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have been waiting for months with bated breath on news of a renewal for the 25-year-old trade preference program, which stands to expire on Tuesday.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
After the release of her Grammy-winning debut album Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B fans waited with bated breath for the rapper’s next move.
—Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Fans of the series have been waiting with bated breath for Apollo to finally meet his match, and there’s no question he’s found it in Aurora.
—Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for with bated breath
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Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Nov. 2025
Sub-Saharan African nations benefitting from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have been waiting for months with bated breath on news of a renewal for the 25-year-old trade preference program, which stands to expire on Tuesday.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2025
After the release of her Grammy-winning debut album Invasion of Privacy, Cardi B fans waited with bated breath for the rapper’s next move.
—Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Fans of the series have been waiting with bated breath for Apollo to finally meet his match, and there’s no question he’s found it in Aurora.
—Mia Sosa, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for with bated breath
Cite this Entry
“With bated breath.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/with%20bated%20breath. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
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