Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
on-tenterhooks
idiom
/ˈɒn ˈtɛntɚhʊks/
Definition
In a state of anxious suspense or excitement.
Examples
- She was on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results.
- The team was on tenterhooks during the final moments of the game.
- He left her on tenterhooks with his vague responses.
Meaning
The phrase ‘on tenterhooks’ refers to a feeling of nervous anticipation or uncertainty about a situation, where one is worried or anxious about what might happen next.
Synonyms
- anxiously perched
- in suspense
- tense
- on edge
