Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "with bated breath" in standard English usage.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom with bated breath is a well known expression in English literature and everyday speech. It appears when people are waiting for something important to happen and feel a mix of eagerness and nervousness. Examinations often test this idiom precisely because the spelling bated is unusual and the meaning is not obvious from the words. Understanding it helps you interpret descriptions of tense or excited waiting in stories and articles.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is with bated breath, not with baited breath.
• The context is emotional and physical reaction while waiting.
• The options cover dispute, anxiety, detail, and happiness.
• We must choose the option that reflects both anxiety and eager expectation.

Concept / Approach:
Bated in this idiom comes from abated, meaning reduced or held back. With bated breath literally suggests holding one's breath or breathing shallowly because of tension or excitement. Figuratively, it describes waiting in a state of suspense, nervousness, or intense anticipation. It does not refer to arguing, listing every detail, or being casually happy. Therefore, the meaning is best captured by the idea of great anxiety, suspense, or eager expectation while waiting for a result or event.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that with bated breath is used when people wait for news, results, or outcomes they care about deeply. Step 2: Understand that such waiting usually involves a mixture of anxiety and eager hope. Step 3: Examine the options for a phrase that combines anxiety or suspense with expectation. Step 4: Option B, in great anxiety, suspense or eager expectation, matches this description exactly. Step 5: Confirm that the other options describe different situations that do not involve tense waiting.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical sentences: The students waited with bated breath for the exam results. If we replace with bated breath with in great anxiety, suspense or eager expectation, the sentence keeps its meaning: The students waited in great anxiety, suspense or eager expectation for the exam results. However, substituting in dispute, in full detail, or in a very happy mood breaks the sense of nervous waiting. It would be strange to say the students waited in full detail for the exam results, confirming that those alternatives are incorrect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
In a state of dispute and argument: This is wrong because with bated breath refers to waiting, not arguing. Dispute is about conflict, not suspenseful expectation.
In full and complete detail: This is wrong because detail relates to information, not to emotional states while waiting.
In a very happy and carefree mood: This is wrong because the idiom clearly suggests tension and nervousness, not carefree happiness.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners misread bated as baited and imagine something to do with bait or traps. Others think the phrase simply means very quietly, ignoring the emotional aspect. To avoid confusion, memorise that with bated breath describes a person holding their breath in suspense, not someone casting bait. Whenever you encounter the idiom, look for a context involving waiting for something uncertain, such as results, announcements, or important decisions.

Final Answer:
The idiom with bated breath means In great anxiety, suspense or eager expectation.