anxious wait

[/ˈæŋ.ʃəs weɪt/]
noun phrasepl: anxious waits
espera ansiosa
1. a period of time spent waiting for something while experiencing worry, nervousness, or unease
After submitting her job application, she endured an anxious wait for the employer's response.
Após enviar sua candidatura, ela passou por uma espera ansiosa pela resposta do empregador.
2. the state of anticipating an outcome with concern or apprehension
The patients sat in the waiting room in an anxious wait for their test results.
Os pacientes ficaram na sala de espera em uma espera ansiosa pelos resultados dos testes.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe the emotional state during uncertain waiting periods. In Brazil, it's frequently heard in contexts related to job searches, medical results, exam outcomes, and romantic relationships. The expression reflects the universal human experience of anticipatory anxiety and is culturally neutral across English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries.
NYC Slang
the agonizing wait / sweat it out
Synonyms / Sinônimos
nervous waitworried anticipationrestless waitinguneasy waittense anticipation
Antonyms / Antônimos
calm waitpatient waitingpeaceful anticipationrelaxed wait

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
espera ansiosa
most common and widely understood translation
Rio de Janeiro
espera de pura agonia
colloquial variation emphasizing the emotional distress
São Paulo
espera ansiosa / aguardo angustiado
both used, with 'aguardo angustiado' slightly more formal
Portugal
espera ansiosa / espera angustiada
similar to Brazilian Portuguese, with occasional preference for 'angustiada'

Related Words

anxietyanticipationsuspenseapprehensionnervousnessimpatience

Related Idioms & Phrases

on pins and needles
with bated breath
on tenterhooks
waiting with anxiety
a nail-biter
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