What does “Chomping at the bit” mean?
"Chomping at the bit" means being eager and impatient to start or do something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The students were chomping at the bit to go on the field trip.
Example
He's been chomping at the bit to try out his new skateboard.
Example
The team was chomping at the bit to start the game and show off their skills
Is “Chomping at the bit” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Chomping at the bit” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Chomping at the bit” effectively in context?
You can use "Chomping at the bit" to describe someone who is eagerly waiting for an opportunity or impatient to start a task. It emphasizes their excitement and enthusiasm. For example, if your friend is excited about a concert they're attending, you could say, 'I can tell you're "chomping at the bit" to see your favorite band perform.'
- 1School
The students were chomping at the bit to go on the field trip.
- 2Hobbies
He's been chomping at the bit to try out his new skateboard.
- 3Sports
The team was chomping at the bit to start the game and show off their skills.
Similar phrases to “Chomping at the bit”:
Restless or impatient due to excitement or eagerness
Example
He was getting antsy waiting for the movie to start.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Chomping at the bit” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Chomping at the bit" can be traced back to horse racing. Horses that are eager to start the race often bite down on the bit in their mouth, showing their impatience and readiness to run. Over time, the phrase has been used metaphorically to describe people who are eager and impatient to start or do something.
Is “Chomping at the bit” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Chomping at the bit" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their eagerness and impatience to start or do something.
What tone does “Chomping at the bit” have?
"Chomping at the bit" conveys a tone of excitement and anticipation. It's often used to describe someone's enthusiasm and eagerness for a particular activity or event.
Can “Chomping at the bit” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "chomping at the bit" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of eagerness and impatience. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She was "chomping at the bit" to start her new job.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "chomping at the bit"!' to express excitement and eagerness.
