The river held its breath as the boat sailed by.

Meaning: The river remained still and calm as the boat moved through it.

Choice of Words: Held means to keep or maintain something. Breath is the air that is taken in and out of the lungs. Sailed refers to the movement of a boat across the water.

Alternative Expressions

The river was still and calm as the boat sailed by.

Meaning: This means the river was very quiet and peaceful, like it was holding its breath while the boat passed by.

Choice of Words: Still means not moving or making any sound. Calm means peaceful and not disturbed. When you put them together, it means the river was not moving or making any noise, like it was holding its breath.

The river was silent as the boat glided by.

Meaning: This means the river was very quiet and still, like it was holding its breath while the boat passed by.

Choice of Words: Silent means not making any sound. Glide means to move smoothly and quietly through water. When you put them together, it means the river was not making any sound as the boat moved through it.

The river held its breath in awe as the majestic ship sailed by.

Meaning: This means the river was very impressed and respectful of the big and beautiful ship that was passing by, like it was holding its breath in awe.

Choice of Words: Awe means a feeling of great respect or admiration. Majestic means very impressive or grand. When you put them together, it means the river was very impressed and respectful of the big and beautiful ship that was passing by.

Related Expressions