Champ at the bit vs. Chomp at the bit

Champ at the bit

/tʃæmp ət ðə bɪt/

To be eager or impatient to start a task or activity.

Examples:

She was champing at the bit to open her birthday gifts.The team is champing at the bit to start the project.Kids were champing at the bit as the park gates opened.

Synonyms:

eagerimpatientkeen

Antonyms:

delayhold backhesitate

Chomp at the bit

/tʃɒmp ət ðə bɪt/

To be very eager or impatient to do something.

Examples:

Eager to start, she was chomping at the bit.He was chomping at the bit to reveal his big news.She sat there, chomping at the bit, waiting for her turn.

Synonyms:

fretfumeeagerimpatient

Antonyms:

This word has no antonyms

Ways to tell them apart:

• Champ at the bit is the older, original version of this phrase, originating from equestrian terms.
• The word champ in this context means to chew or bite down with force.
• Chomp at the bit is a more modern variation that became popular due to its similarity in sound to champ.
• Chomp is more broadly recognized and used in modern language, often replacing champ.
• Keep in mind that both phrases convey the idea of impatience or eagerness, deriving from the behavior of horses.