be on tenterhooks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on tenterhooks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of anxious anticipation or suspense about an outcome or event. Example: "As the results of the competition were about to be announced, the entire team was on tenterhooks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Somehow, I doubt Downing Street will be on tenterhooks.

The Guardian

Kate and Gerry will now be on tenterhooks as they wait for any potential developments.

Independent

In theory, Tinseltown should be on tenterhooks ahead of Tuesday's Oscar nominations.

The Guardian - Film

The City will now be on tenterhooks to see whether consumer-price inflation has jumped above 3.0%.

The Economist

If Steve Webb and Jo Swinson are right, Moody's, Standard and Poors and Fitch will be on tenterhooks.

The Guardian

PETA will be on tenterhooks this weekend after Katy Perry revealed she plans to bring "lions and sharks" on stage during her Super Bowl performance.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

So why do we say we're "on tenterhooks" when we're nervous?

The New York Times - Food

But John Curtice, a leading psephologist, said that Labour should have been "on tenterhooks" as to whether they could have taken the seat.

The Guardian

Ms Wright, an East Devon District councillor, said drains were "spewing sewage" and villagers were "on tenterhooks".

BBC

Mr. Morrissette has been on tenterhooks waiting for "Scotland, PA". to be released; it was one of the hits of last year's Sundance Festival, and he's been waiting a year for the film to hit the theaters.

The New York Times

When one of our dreamers collected her national exam result, we were on tenterhooks hoping she'd get good grades to enable her next steps.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision matters in legal or medical contexts, switch "be on tenterhooks" with more direct terms like "anxious" or "concerned".

Common error

Avoid using "be on tenterhooks" for mild anticipation; it's best reserved for situations involving significant anxiety or suspense. Reserve this phrase for instances where genuine suspense or anxiety is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on tenterhooks" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes a state of heightened anxiety and suspense while awaiting an outcome. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Academia

16.67%

Formal & Business

16.67%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "be on tenterhooks" effectively conveys nervous anticipation or suspense. It is considered grammatically correct, as verified by Ludwig, though more suited for informal contexts and less appropriate for formal writing where precision is key. Its meaning centers on awaiting an uncertain outcome with significant anxiety. While fairly widespread and located in news media, academic sources, and formal business contexts, the usage of the phrase is somewhat uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in suspense

Focuses on the feeling of uncertainty and anticipation.

be on edge

Highlights the nervousness and heightened awareness.

await with bated breath

Emphasizes the anticipation and excitement.

be in a state of anxiety

Directly expresses the anxious feeling associated with uncertainty.

be kept in suspense

Emphasizes that the person is kept waiting and anxious.

be waiting anxiously

Highlights the worried expectation of an event.

sweat it out

Conveys a sense of discomfort and apprehension during a waiting period.

hold one's breath

Indicates anticipation and the possibility of a negative outcome.

count the seconds

Stresses the impatience and anticipation when waiting for something.

hang in the balance

Highlights the uncertainty of a situation's outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be on tenterhooks" in a sentence?

You can use "be on tenterhooks" to describe someone experiencing nervous anticipation or suspense, such as, "The team was "on tenterhooks" awaiting the judge's verdict".

What does "be on tenterhooks" mean?

"Be on tenterhooks" means to be in a state of suspense or agitation because you are waiting to see what will happen. It suggests a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty.

What can I say instead of "be on tenterhooks"?

You can use alternatives like "be in suspense", "be on edge", or "await with bated breath" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be on tenterhooks" in formal writing?

While "be on tenterhooks" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate for informal or creative writing. For formal writing, consider using more direct and less idiomatic alternatives like "anxious" or "concerned".