Idiom: hold your breath

[Rustem]

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #7 "Hold on", question 1

The audience held their breath as the magician started to saw a woman half.

(a) watched anxiously
(b) stopped breathing
(c) couldn't breathe
(d) couldn't watch

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #7 "Hold on", answer 1

The audience watched anxiously as the magician started to saw a woman half.

Correct answer: (a) watched anxiously
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WHAT DOES THE SENTENCE MEAN?

RUSTEM

[Conchita]

The people watching the show were so fascinated or anxious that they stopped breathing for a moment. You could also say that the audience caught their breath (when the magician started to saw a woman in half).