How Do You Spell CHOMP AT THE BIT?

Pronunciation: [t͡ʃˈɒmp at ðə bˈɪt] (IPA)

Chomp at the bit, also spelled as "champ at the bit", means to be impatiently eager to do something. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /tʃɑmp ət ðə bɪt/. The spelling "chomp" can be confusing because it sounds more like "chump", but it actually comes from the archaic word "champ" meaning to bite or chew noisily. The bit refers to a metal mouthpiece that horses wear in their mouths, which they can chew on when they are restless or eager to move.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
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CHOMP AT THE BIT Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "chomp at the bit" is an idiomatic expression that means to show impatient and eager anticipation for something, often used to describe a person eagerly waiting to begin an action or achieve a goal.

    Originating from the world of horse riding or driving, this phrase refers to a horse's behavior of impatiently biting or chomping its bit, which is the metal mouthpiece of a bridle. When a horse is excited or eager to move forward, it may become restless and repeatedly bite down on the bit, often making a chomping sound. This behavior reflects the horse's impatience, as it wants to start running or galloping.

    Metaphorically, when a person is said to be "chomping at the bit," it implies that they are anxiously waiting for an opportunity, event, or action they are eager to undertake. It conveys an intense desire to commence or progress, suggesting a strong drive or enthusiasm to begin or achieve something. This phrase is commonly used in contexts where individuals are eager for a chance to demonstrate their skills, seize an opportunity, or accomplish a long-awaited goal. It implies a restless eagerness and impatience, often accompanied by a sense of readiness or preparedness to take action.

Common Misspellings for CHOMP AT THE BIT

  • chomp at the bid
  • chomp at the bip
  • chomp at the biv
  • chomp at the biu
  • c homp at the bit
  • ch omp at the bit
  • cho mp at the bit
  • chomp a t the bit
  • chomp at t he bit
  • chomp at th e bit
  • chomp at the b it
  • chomp at the bi t

Idioms with the word CHOMP AT THE BIT

  • chomp at the bit, at champ at the bit The idiom "chomp at the bit" (or "champ at the bit") means to be eager and impatient to do something or to get started on something. It is often used to describe someone who is excited and eager to get moving or to take action. The phrase comes from the world of horse racing, where a horse that is eager to run may bite at the bit in its mouth.
  • chomp at the bit The idiom "chomp at the bit" means to be very eager or impatient to do something. It is often used to describe someone who is extremely eager to start or take part in an activity, task, or event. This phrase is derived from the idea of a horse that is eager to run, pulling at the bit in its mouth and chomping down on it.