idioms
 

 idioms







 

Question by  Jane5146 (60)

What does it mean to be "waiting with baited breath"?

 
+5

Answer by  soundoff (121)

Kriket's right! it is bated and it is short for abated. Shakespeare, It seems to me, first coined "bated breath" to make it fit into a verse, but I can't remember in which play. If you'll look it up, I'll wait with bated breath. Baited breath? You've been eating anchovies.

 
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Answer by  Kriket (1029)

The expression is "Waiting with bated breath" bated is short for abated, which means held back. Or holding your breath.

 
+4

Answer by  npatin44 (258)

Generally speaking, "waiting with baited breath" means to have someone's rapt attention as they wait in anticipation of a comment, response or action by someone else. It's suggestive of having them on a fishing line and hook and they are waiting to be reeled in by whoever is holding the rod.

 
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