Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pins-and-needles

idiom

/ˈpɪnz ənd ˈnidəlz/

Definition

A tingling or prickling sensation often felt in the skin, usually caused by pressure on nerves or restricted blood flow.

Examples

After sitting awkwardly for a long time, I stood up and felt pins-and-needles in my legs.
The pins-and-needles sensation in her foot made it difficult to concentrate on her work.
He experienced pins-and-needles in his fingers after resting his arm on the back of the chair for too long.

Meaning

The term ‘pins-and-needles’ describes that uncomfortable feeling you get when a body part falls asleep and then starts to wake up, often accompanied by a tingling sensation.