Can You Wait with Bated Breath?

Eagerly or anxiously, as in We waited for the announcement of the winner with bated breath. This expression literally means “holding one's breath” (bate means “restrain”). Today it is also used somewhat ironically, indicating one is not all that eager or anxious.

What does I wait with baited breath mean?

: in a nervous and excited state anticipating what will happen They waited for the answer on their application with bated breath.

Is it waiting with bated breath or baited breath?

Bated is rarely used on its own as an adjective or verb anymore, but it lingers in the English language in the phrase bated breath. Baited breath is a common misspelling of bated breath.