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 original phrase stemming from horse racing, where a horse shows eagerness by biting their bits.
• The well-known phrase chomp at the bit appeared later, as chomp implies aggressively eating or chewing.
• Remember that champ carries a historical context and is less aggressive sounding than chomp.
• Think of chomp like a louder sound, often used in informal contexts where forceful chewing is intended.
• If youre referring to impatience or eagerness in a classic or formal sense, you might prefer champ'.