champ at the bit
Meaning: To be impatient to start.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The kids were champing at the bit to open their presents.”
Category: Animals
Origin: An eager horse chews (champs) on the metal bit in its mouth. The figurative use is found from the 17th century. "Chomp at the bit" is a common variant.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Ronger son frein — literally: To gnaw one's bit
More idioms — Animals
- one swallow does not make a summer — One good sign does not mean things will continue that way.
- walk into the lion's den — To go deliberately into a dangerous or hostile place.
- an old sea dog — An experienced old sailor.
- have eyes like a hawk — To have very sharp eyesight, or to notice every detail.
- for donkey's years — For a very long time.
- make sheep's eyes at — To look at someone in a lovesick, foolish way (dated).
More English idioms
- at cross purposes — To misunderstand each other or work toward conflicting goals.
- a Bible thumper — A person who is aggressively or tiresomely religious.
- be a doormat — To let others treat one badly without protest.
- thick as thieves — Very close friends who share secrets.
- separate the wheat from the chaff — To distinguish what is valuable from what is worthless.
- a whole different ball game — A completely different situation.
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