(be) on tenterhooks In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "(be) on tenterhooks", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Julia Huong calendar 2022-05-22 03:05

Meaning of (be) on tenterhooks

Synonyms:

be on pins and needles

(be) on tenterhooks phrase informal

To feel worried, excited, or nervous about something.

I wasn't sure if I did well on the test. Therefore, I was on tenterhooks when the teacher gave it back.

Your parents were on tenterhooks until they heard that you passed your exam.

He was on tenterhooks while waiting for declaring the result of an election.

Other phrases about:

Shaking Like a Leaf

To shake a lot due to the cold or fear

on the edge of your seat

be so excited or nervous about that something and want to know what is going to happen next 

like a cat on hot bricks

To be very anxious

have ants in your pants

Too excited or nervous about something to be still or calm.

it's giving me life

When you say it's giving me life, it means you are really into something.

Grammar and Usage of (be) on tenterhooks

Verb Forms

  • to be on tenterhooks
  • am/is/are on tenterhooks
  • was/were on tenterhooks

The verb "be" should be conjugated according to its tense.

error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
run against the grain

To do something in an unusual way

Example:

I guess I like to run against the grain in everything I do.

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode