On pins and needles

Definitions

• feeling anxious or nervous
  to describe a state of anticipation or uneasiness about something that is about to happen

• in a state of discomfort
  to indicate being in a physically uncomfortable position or situation

Examples of On pins and needles

• The audience was on pins and needles as the director revealed the suspenseful twist in the movie's final scene.

  The phrase "on pins and needles" is commonly used to describe a feeling of anxious anticipation or nervous excitement. In this case, the audience was so engrossed in the movie and the build-up to the surprise ending that they could barely sit still with nerves and suspense.

• My heart was on pins and needles during my job interview, waiting for their decision on whether to hire me or not.

  This is a more personal example of being on pins and needles. The person is applying for a job and is anxiously waiting to hear whether they have been selected or not. This feeling of nervous anticipation can be so intense that it feels like they are literally sitting on pins and needles.

• The coach kept his team on pins and needles as they prepared for the final match, motivating them to give their best shot.

  This example shows that being on pins and needles is not always a negative feeling. The coach is able to inspire his team to stay focused and alert, giving them the necessary adrenaline to perform at their peak during the final match.

• As the results were being announced, the entire room was on pins and needles, unsure of who would win the election.

  This is a political example, where an entire roomful of people is on pins and needles during an election. They are anxious and nervous about the outcome, unsure of who will win or what the implications of the result might be. This feeling can be quite intense and overwhelming at times, leaving people feeling on edge.

• The job interview went really well, but I've been feeling on pins and needles waiting for their decision.

  This idiom means feeling nervous or anxious, as if one is so tense that they could stand on nothing but the sharp tips of pins or needles without falling over. In this example, the speaker is tense and anxious while waiting for the outcome of their job interview.

• The suspense built up as I read the thriller novel, leaving me on pins and needles until the very end.

  This idiom can also be used in reference to being kept in suspense or uncertainty, as if one's nerves are stretched taut like pins and needles. In this example, the speaker is so tense and anxious while reading the thriller novel that they feel as if they could be impaled by pins and needles.

• The audience sat on pins and needles, silently holding their breath as the final act of the play unfolded.

  This idiom can also be used to describe a situation in which many people are collectively tense or anxious. In this example, the audience is so spellbound and anxious that they feel as if they could be impaled by pins and needles, unable to speak or move.

• The presidential election left the entire country on pins and needles, as pollsters struggled to predict the outcome.

  This idiom can be used to describe a situation in which the entire community or country is tense or anxious. In this example, the election leaves the entire country tense and anxious, as the outcome remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The idiom "on pins and needles" is commonly used to convey a sense of nervousness or discomfort. It can be used to describe both a mental state of anxiety or anticipation, as well as a physical sensation of being uncomfortable. This idiom is often employed to express feelings of unease or anticipation about an upcoming event or situation, or to describe being physically uncomfortable in a particular position.

Origin of "On pins and needles"

The origin of the idiom "on pins and needles" can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was first used in English literature. The original phrase was "on needles and pins," and it was used to describe a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness. Over time, the order of the words was reversed to the more commonly known "on pins and needles." The idiom is thought to have derived from the idea of sitting or standing on sharp objects, which would naturally cause discomfort and unease. This association with physical discomfort eventually evolved to also encompass feelings of anxiety and nervousness, leading to the modern usage of the idiom. Overall, the idiom "on pins and needles" has a long history and has evolved to convey both physical and mental states of unease and discomfort. Examples of its usage can be found in literature from various time periods, demonstrating its enduring relevance in the English language.