champ at the bit: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKAustraliaGeneralinformalidiomatic
  • To be very eager or impatient to begin something or to take action.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The children were champing at the bit, eager to open their presents on Christmas morning.

    Los niños estaban impacientes, ansiosos por abrir sus regalos en la mañana de Navidad.

  • She’s champing at the bit to start her new job and can’t wait until Monday.

    Ella está muy ansiosa por comenzar su nuevo trabajo y no puede esperar hasta el lunes.

  • After months of training, the athletes were champing at the bit to compete in the championship.

    Después de meses de entrenamiento, los atletas estaban impacientes por competir en el campeonato.

• 2.

  Generalliteralequine
  • To gnaw, bite, or chew at the bit in a horse's mouth, displaying impatience or restlessness.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The horse champed at the bit anxiously as we prepared to start the race.

    The horse gnawed on the bit anxiously as we prepared to start the race.

  • During the long wait, the foal was champing at the bit, eager to run free in the field.

    During the long wait, the foal was biting the bit, eager to run free in the field.

  • I noticed the mare champing at the bit restlessly, clearly impatient for the trail ride to begin.

    I noticed the mare chewing on the bit restlessly, clearly impatient for the trail ride to begin.

  • While crossing the rocky terrain, the colt champed at the bit, unable to keep still in the saddle.

    While crossing the rocky terrain, the colt bit at the bit, unable to keep still in the saddle.

• 3.

  • To show impatience or frustration when delayed.