Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hold-your-breath
idiomatic expression
/hoʊld jʊər brɛθ/
Definition
To pause one’s breathing temporarily, often done in anticipation or excitement.
Examples
- When the announcement was made, everyone held their breath.
- She told him to hold his breath while she made the surprise reveal.
- We all held our breaths during the tense final moments of the game.
Meaning
This phrase often conveys a sense of waiting with excitement, fear, or suspense. It suggests that something significant might happen soon, and the act of holding one’s breath reflects the intensity of that moment.
Synonyms
- wait in suspense
- hold in suspense
- pause for effect
