息いきを潜ひそめる

expression, ichidan verb

hold one's breath; bate one's breath

Often used figuratively for staying very quiet or hiding one's presence, as well as literally holding one's breath.

• 彼かれは息いきを潜ひそめて隠かくれていた。

  He hid, holding his breath.

• 会かい議ぎ中ちゅう、みんな息いきを潜ひそめて成なり行ゆきを見み守まもった。

  During the meeting, everyone held their breath and watched how things would turn out.