固唾かたずを呑のむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

hold one's breath; watch with bated breath

Idiomatic expression used when someone is tense with fear, anxiety, or suspense, often while watching an outcome.

• 審しん査さ員いんの発はっ表ぴょうを、会かい場じょうの全ぜん員いんが固唾かたずを呑のんで見み守まもった。

  Everyone in the hall watched the judges' announcement with bated breath.

• 彼かれは固唾かたずを呑のんで、試し験けんの結けっ果かを待まっていた。

  He was holding his breath waiting for the exam results.