with bated breath

Meaning

1. Editorial67% of films

   in a hushed, restrained voice that shows humility or deference

   Or shall I bend low and, in a slavish voice, with bated breath and whispering humbleness say this - "Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last, "you spurned me such a day, another time you called me dog.

   Shall I bend low, and in a bondsman's key, with bated breath and whispering humbleness say this: "Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last, "you spurn'd me such a day, "another time you call'd me dog..."

2. Oxford33% of films

   feeling very anxious or excited

   Said the acrobat, announcing the event to the world's press, who had gathered to listen with bated breath.

In the movies · 3

• Said the acrobat, announcing the event to the world's press, who had gathered to listen with bated breath.Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical2022
• Shall I bend low, and in a bondsman's key, with bated breath and whispering humbleness say this: "Fair sir, you spit on me on Wednesday last, "you spurn'd me such a day, "another time you call'd me dog..."Theatre of Blood1973
• Or shall I bend low and, in a slavish voice, with bated breath and whispering humbleness say this - "Fair sir, you spat on me on Wednesday last, "you spurned me such a day, another time you called me dog.The Merchant of Venice2004