1
general::
Phrase(s): hold one’s breath
1. Lit. to stop breathing for a short period, on purpose. • Do you hold your breath when you dive into the water? • I can’t hold my breath for very long. 2. Fig. to wait or delay until something special happens. (Usually in the negative. See also Don’t hold your breath.) • I expect the mail to be delivered soon, but I’m not holding my breath. It’s often late.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs