C2idiomemotionsIELTS-friendly
on tenterhooks
USUK
nervous and excited while waiting for news
Usually 'be on tenterhooks' or 'keep someone on tenterhooks'. American English also says 'on pins and needles'.
In context
We were on tenterhooks all week, waiting for the university results.
The final episode kept viewers on tenterhooks until the very last minute.
More idioms about emotions
- a bitter pill to swallowan unpleasant fact or situation that is hard to accept
- a chip on your shouldera lasting anger because you feel you were treated unfairly in the past
- a knot in your stomacha tight, sick feeling in your body caused by worry or fear
- a lump in your throata tight feeling in your throat because you are so moved that you might cry
- a sight for sore eyessomeone or something you are very happy to see