pace back and forth

pace back and forth

To walk back and forth (in or around some place), as in fear, anger, anxiety, frustration, etc. I hate seeing the animals in the zoo pace back and forth in their cages like that. They all look so unhappy! I just paced back and forth while I waited to hear back from the doctor.
See also: and, back, forth, pace
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pace back and forth

 and pace up and down
to walk over and over the same short route nervously or anxiously. The leopard paced back and forth in its cage. I paced up and down, worrying about a variety of things.
See also: and, back, forth, pace
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • come back and see us
  • beat back
  • back
  • back at (something or some place)
  • be/go back to square one
  • a while back
  • back door
  • back to square one
  • (with) hat in hand
  • be back on the rails
References in classic literature
As assassination is the one thing to be feared, the proprietors of the hostelries furnish armed guards, who pace back and forth through the sleeping-rooms day and night.
The guards who watch the women remain in the corridor outside the sleeping chamber, while female slaves pace back and forth among the sleepers within, ready to notify the warriors should their presence be required.
Warlord of Mars