on tenterhooks

USAGE SUMMARY

"on tenterhooks" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase meaning to be in a state of nervous anticipation or suspense, often used in the context of waiting for something. For example, "The entire town was on tenterhooks, waiting for news of the missing child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Food

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

BBC

We were on tenterhooks.

Independent

BRAZIL is on tenterhooks.

The Economist

It had everyone on tenterhooks".

The New York Times

Everybody is just on tenterhooks".

The New York Times

"We are waiting on tenterhooks".

The New York Times

But everyone else is kept on tenterhooks.

The Economist

It also keeps the viewer on tenterhooks.

The New York Times - Arts

Everyone is nervous, everyone is on tenterhooks.

The Guardian

I'd traveled there on impulse and on tenterhooks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on tenterhooks" to vividly describe a situation filled with suspense or nervous anticipation. This idiom adds color and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on tenterhooks" in contexts where there is no element of suspense or anxious waiting. The phrase specifically implies a state of heightened anticipation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on tenterhooks" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of nervous anticipation or suspense. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on tenterhooks" is a common idiom used to describe a state of nervous anticipation or suspense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and while acceptable in formal settings, it's more commonly found in neutral to informal communication. Similar phrases include ""in suspense"" and ""on pins and needles"", which can be used as alternatives depending on the desired tone and context. When using "on tenterhooks", ensure that the situation genuinely involves suspense and anxious waiting to maintain the phrase's intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on pins and needles

This alternative is a similar idiom that conveys the same feeling of nervous anticipation.

in suspense

This alternative is more concise and directly states the state of being in suspense.

with bated breath

This alternative emphasizes the holding of breath due to excitement or anxiety.

in anxious anticipation

This alternative combines anxiety and anticipation.

anxiously waiting

This alternative explicitly describes the act of waiting with anxiety.

in a state of anticipation

This alternative highlights the feeling of anticipation, which is closely related to being "on tenterhooks".

awaiting with trepidation

This alternative uses the word 'trepidation' to describe a state of fear or anxiety.

uneasily waiting

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of unease while waiting.

apprehensively waiting

This alternative specifies that the waiting is filled with apprehension.

in a nervous state

This alternative focuses on the general feeling of nervousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "on tenterhooks" to describe a state of nervous anticipation. For example, "The entire team was "on tenterhooks" waiting for the judge's decision".

What does it mean to be "on tenterhooks"?

Being "on tenterhooks" means being in a state of suspense or nervous anticipation, usually while waiting for something important to happen.

What is a synonym for "on tenterhooks"?

A common synonym for "on tenterhooks" is "on pins and needles", which conveys a similar feeling of nervous anticipation.

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

While "on tenterhooks" is more common in informal contexts, it can be used in formal writing if the tone allows for idiomatic expressions. Consider alternatives like "in suspense" or "anxiously waiting" for a more formal tone.