PhrasesHub

On tenterhooks

    Definitions

      • feeling of suspense or anxiety
        Describing the state of being in a state of anxious anticipation or uncertainty about something

      • feeling of excitement or eagerness
        Describing the state of being eagerly waiting for something to happen or be revealed

    Examples of On tenterhooks

    • The sales team has been on tenterhooks ever since the CEO announced a major reorganization plan.

      The sales team has been anxious and tense, waiting for further details about the CEO's reorganization plan with bated breath. The expression "on tenterhooks" highlights the state of intense anticipation and nervousness felt by the sales team as they eagerly await news about the reorganization.

    • The student sat on tenterhooks as she waited for the results of her final exams.

      The student was filled with apprehension and uncertainty as she patiently waited for the results of her final exams. The expression "on tenterhooks" helps to convey the intensity of her emotions as she anxiously awaited the outcome of the exams.

    • The crowd at the theater was on tenterhooks as the curtains closed, signaling the end of the play.

      The crowd was filled with anticipation and excitement as the curtains closed, signaling the end of the play. The expression "on tenterhooks" highlights the state of intense anticipation and curiosity felt by the crowd as they waited to find out whether the play would receive a standing ovation.

    • The patient waited on tenterhooks as the doctor performed a series of tests to diagnose her condition.

      The patient was filled with apprehension and uncertainty as the doctor performed a series of tests to diagnose her condition. The expression "on tenterhooks" helps to convey the intensity of her emotions as she anxiously waited for the results of the tests. She was on the edge of her seat, waiting to hear whether her health condition was serious or not.

    • Sarah couldn't stop checking her phone every few minutes. The job interview was scheduled for later that day, and she was on tenterhooks, waiting to find out if she got the job.

      The idiom "on tenterhooks" means being in a state of eager expectation or suspense, often with a degree of anxiety. In Sarah's case, she was eager to know whether she had been successful in her job interview and was therefore on tenterhooks until the outcome was revealed.

    • The announcement about the winning team's identity in the championship was scheduled for 7 PM, and the entire stadium was on tenterhooks, eagerly anticipating the result.

      Here, the entire stadium was in a state of eager anticipation, waiting to find out which team had won the championship. This is an excellent example of how an entire group can be on tenterhooks, and the idiom can be used to describe a group of people as well.

    • Jane's heart pounded as she waited for the doctor's diagnosis. She had been experiencing odd symptoms, and she was on tenterhooks, hoping that everything was okay.

      In this example, Jane is in a medical situation and is anxious about the diagnosis. She is on tenterhooks because the outcome may have a significant impact on her health and wellbeing.This idiom is particularly useful in situations where someone has undergone a major life event, such as a job interview or a medical test, and is waiting for the results. It helps us convey the emotions and anxieties that people feel in these situations succinctly.

    • The team had been on tenterhooks for hours, nervously waiting for the results of the crucial match to be announced.

      In this example, the team is incredibly tense and anxious while they wait for the result of the match. The phrase "on tenterhooks" means being in a state of suspense or expectation, just like a person on tenterhooks is waiting for a garment to dry while it is stretched tight on hooks. In this case, the team is suspended in a state of tense anticipation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on tenterhooks" is used to convey a feeling of suspense, anxiety, or excitement. It is often used when someone is eagerly waiting for something to happen or is uncertain about an outcome.

    Origin of "On tenterhooks"

    The origin of this idiom dates back to the 15th century when cloth was stretched and dried on a tenter, which was a wooden frame with hooks. The cloth was held taut by the hooks to prevent it from shrinking. The phrase "on tenterhooks" was derived from the tension and suspense experienced during this process. Over time, the idiom evolved to describe the feeling of being on edge or in a state of suspense. It has since become a common expression in the English language to convey a sense of anticipation or uncertainty. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature, poetry, and everyday conversation.