English

Adverb

with bated breath ‎(not comparable)

1. Used other than as an idiom: holding one's breath.
   • 1598, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act I Scene 3

     Or | Shall I bend low and in a bondman's key, | With bated breath and whispering humbleness, Say this;

2. (idiomatic) Eagerly; with great anticipation.

   We are waiting with bated breath for the release of the new version.

Translations

References

• Discussion of the phrase
• "With bated breath" in Michael Quinion, Ballyhoo, Buckaroo, and Spuds, 2004.