With Bated Breath

With Bated Breath / colloquialism / metaphor :

First Page Mentioned (By Name) : ch. “To the Wild Green Yonder” – pg. 87

A a colloquialism so commonly used, it's difficult to determine the exact period of origin, it is certain it came after the 13th century. Bated, being a slang or shortened version of abated, specifically means to hold back, or restrain, something. By holding back your breath (or waiting with bated breath), you are anxious for something to happen (if you are actually holding your breath, it's not a metaphor, if you aren't, then it is).

For example: many residents of Geb are waiting the Gigans' return with bated breath (a metaphorical use, since none are actually holding their breath, but remain anxious nonetheless).

It can also be used sarcastically by those who aren't holding their breath for something to happen.

For example: Billy could care less if the giants came back, and so he said to his teacher “I'm waiting with bated breath for their return!” (since he isn't anxious about the Gigan return, he is being sarcastic).

Related Entries: Colloquialism; Geb (The Island Of); Gigan; Metaphor

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