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chafe

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chafe at the bit

To be impatient and/or eager for something to happen or over some delay. Used to liken someone to an overexcited horse straining against its bit (the metal piece of the harness that fits between its jaws). The crowd chafed at the bit to see the unveiling of the new building. I've chafed at the bit for an opportunity like this my entire life!

See also: bit, chafe

be chafing at the bit

To be impatient and/or eager for something to happen or over some delay. Used to liken someone to an overexcited horse straining against its bit (the metal piece of the harness that fits between its jaws). I was chafing at the bit for the game to start. After two hours of waiting in the airport lobby, we were chafing at the bit to finally get on the plane.

See also: bit, chafe

chafe at something

Fig. to be irritated or annoyed at something. Jane chafed at the criticism for a long time afterward. Jerry chafed for a while at what Ken had said.

See also: chafe

be champing/chomping at the bit

  also be chafing at the bit

to be very keen to start an activity or to go somewhere By the time he arrived to pick us up we were champing at the bit with impatience. I'm not sure if he's ready for extra responsibility yet, but he's chafing at the bit.

See also: bit, champ