1.
to hold one's breath; to breathe quietly
To breathe as quietly as possible, often while hiding or waiting tensely.
Etymology
息 (breath) + を + 潜める (to conceal, to lower)
The verb 潜める means to suppress, conceal, or lower (one's voice, presence, etc.).
Common patterns
〜して息を潜める - to hold one's breath while doing ~
息を潜めて + verb - doing ~ while holding one's breath
- 息を潜める (present)
- 息を潜めた (past)
- 息を潜めて (te-form, often used adverbially)
Usage
Implies tension, fear, or deliberate concealment. Often used in suspenseful situations or when trying to avoid detection. The figurative sense (lie low) suggests strategic waiting.