champ at the bit (redirected from chomp at the bit)

champ at the bit and chomp at the bit 

1. Lit. [for a horse] to bite at its bit, eager to move along. Dobbin was champing at the bit, eager to go.

2. Fig. to be ready and anxious to do something. The kids were champing at the bit to get into the swimming pool. The dogs were champing at the bit to begin the hunt.

See also: bit, champ

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champ at the bit also chomp at the bit

to be very eager The phone companies are champing at the bit to expand into these new lines of business.

Etymology: based on the idea of a horse chewing on the bit (piece of metal in its mouth that allows a rider to control its movements) when excited or nervous

See also: bit, champ