champing at the bit
Meaning
To be impatient and eager to start doing something; barely able to wait.
Origin
From horse riding: a horse waiting to run may chomp/champ on the bit (the metal mouthpiece of the bridle), a visible sign of restlessness and eagerness. The variant “chomping at the bit” is now more common, though “champing” is historically older.
Notes
Conveys strong eagerness plus impatience to begin. Slightly more formal/written. Many people say “chomping at the bit,” but “champing” is the traditional form.
Examples
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The players were champing at the bit to get back on the field after the long rain delay.
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She was champing at the bit to announce the news, but she agreed to wait until the meeting.
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Investors are champing at the bit for the company to release its quarterly earnings.
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After months of planning, the team was champing at the bit to finally launch the product.
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He’s been stuck in training all week and is champing at the bit to start the real work.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a participial phrase: “be champing at the bit,” “champing at the bit to + verb,” or “champing at the bit for + noun.” Tense changes via “be” (was/is/are).
Synonyms
- itch to
- be eager to
- be raring to go
- be impatient to
- be keen to
Antonyms
- be content to wait
- be patient
- take one's time