on tenterhooks

English

Etymology

Metaphorically stretched taut, on tenterhooks.

Pronunciation
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌɒn ˈtɛn.təɹˌhʊks/
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Prepositional phrase

on tenterhooks

  1. (idiomatic) In a state of suspense or apprehension.
    • 1921, John Galsworthy, chapter 12, in The Forsyte Saga, part 1:
      Why do you keep me on tenterhooks like this, putting me off and off?

Synonyms

Translations
on pins and needles — see on pins and needles
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