1.   A slight popping, as if she had been holding her breath.

2.   An anxious nation holds its breath.

3.   As the others crossed their fingers and held their breath, he gently eased away the back plate.

4.   Benjy rang the doorbell, then held his breath, waiting.

5.   He examined the pieces with the naked eye, then with his glass, while behind him Isobel held her breath.

6.   He held his breath and pushed his hand down the bed to touch his night-gown.

7.   He held his breath, not wanting to make the slightest sound that might betray his presence.

8.   He just took a leap, held his breath, and stayed up.

9.   He moved around, inspecting each body carefully, holding his breath against the sour smell of corruption.

10.   Hold your breath and count to ten.