With bated breath idiom

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With bated breath idiom

At the end of your tether because you are treated as a dogsbody? Falconry and the sea are two rich sources of English expressions. Quirky idioms have embellished everyday English language for centuries, as you will be aware if someone rubbed you up the wrong way recently by jumping the gun out of the blue. When hangry , bants and manspreading made it into the dictionary last month, it was further recognition of the creative new ways we find to communicate. The bird can become short of breath as it flies on the spot, waiting to be released by its handler. A tether is another word for the string tied to a falcon to stop it flying off. This phrase comes from the action of a bird, typically a young, untrained falcon, who bates from his perch — hence being at the end of your tether, meaning being a bit frustrated, to say the least. A haggard falcon is one that is caught from the wild as an adult. They can often look a bit underweight and worse for wear, shall we say, hence the word being a little less than complimentary. This phrase has come to mean having someone under your control, usually in a relationship.

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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'with bated breath. Send us feedback about these examples. Accessed 23 Feb. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! See Definitions and Examples ». Cite this Entry Citation Share. Log In.

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. We'll see you in your inbox soon. From the verb bate , alteration by aphesis of the verb abate , meaning 'to reduce' or 'lessen'. From Wiktionary. The ancient Indian ritual for the sacrifice to the Fathers required the officiating priest to turn away with bated breath that he might not see the spirits engaged upon the rice-balls laid out for them. The public at large can only watch with bated breath to see what is going to happen to Jamie Lynn's career.

With bated breath idiom

Why is this a common idiom in American English? And where did it originate? When you are waiting for someone or something eagerly with a lot of expectation, then this phrase can be used.

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Read More. French to English. Collins English Dictionary. Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once? Share the Definition of with bated breath on Twitter Twitter. Word Lists. Meanwhile, bate is an adjective that means excited or anxious. See Definitions and Examples ». Build your vocabulary. Forgot password? Store 0. When hangry , bants and manspreading made it into the dictionary last month, it was further recognition of the creative new ways we find to communicate.

Add to word list Add to word list. I waited with bated breath as the results were read out. Translations of with bated breath.

Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. Not only was he able to make plays, but he also was able to instill confidence in a fanbase that had been waiting with bated breath to see what he could do as he completed four of five passes for 92 yards and one touchdown pass. The correct spelling of the idiom that means in a nervous or excited state is bated breath, not baited breath. Build your vocabulary. Cite this Entry Citation Share. Can you solve 4 words at once? Username Please enter your Username. Grammar Patterns. Pronunciation Guide. French images. It's World Pizza Day, and to celebrate we discuss the vocabulary around one of our favourite food staples. This phrase comes from the Roman custom of paying soldiers and sailors part of their wages in salt.