put him on edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put him on edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels anxious or uneasy due to a particular action or event. Example: "The sudden loud noise from outside put him on edge, making it hard for him to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The client prided himself on his cool, but Geiger had put him on edge".

The New York Times

It explained the signora's saying "these people," and also Mallon's jittery apprehension about the man, an inkling of some mysterious difference that had both put him on edge and intrigued him.

The New Yorker

The mix of classical orchestration and deep synthetic sub-bass seemed to put him on edge.

Los Angeles Times

Even so, the red shirt seemed to put him on edge.

Huffington Post

But it is a mistake to tell someone you've been waiting, oh, 12 years just to be able to speak a sentence to him, because you will put him on edge and freak him out.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Camus begins his letter by roundly condemning the massacre, which has put him "on the edge of despair".

The New York Times - Books

He will only be tested if they push for a sub 27-minute race, sap him of his energy, tire him out before the final 600m and put him on the edge.

BBC

The encore included three sturdy older songs and one wretched new one, about how writing music puts him on "the edge".

The New York Times - Arts

The outfit puts him on the cutting edge of fashion here.

The New York Times

The team's dynamics could put her on edge.

The New York Times - Magazine

State troopers increased security around the State Capitol, and some state workers said Mr. Clements's death had put them on edge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "put him on edge" to subtly imply a feeling of unease or anxiety caused by a specific situation or person, rather than a general state of nervousness. For example: "The unexpected question during the interview put him on edge."

Common error

Avoid using "put him on edge" when you want to convey extreme fear or terror. This phrase is more appropriate for describing mild anxiety or unease. For stronger emotions, consider phrases like "terrified him" or "filled him with dread."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put him on edge" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes the action of causing someone to feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, citing various examples where a specific event or situation triggers this feeling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put him on edge" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the act of making someone feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent usage in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's less common in highly formal or scientific writing, where more precise vocabulary might be preferred. Alternatives such as "make him uneasy" or "rattle him" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. The phrase subtly implies a feeling of unease caused by a particular situation or person, and should not be confused with expressions denoting extreme fear or terror.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make him uneasy

Focuses more on a general feeling of discomfort rather than a specific state of anxiety.

unsettle him

Highlights the feeling of being disturbed or lacking stability.

make him nervous

Directly indicates a state of nervousness, lacking the nuance of being subtly unsettled.

disconcert him

Emphasizes the feeling of being confused and disturbed.

make him anxious

Implies a deeper level of worry and apprehension.

make him apprehensive

Highlights a feeling of worry that something bad might happen.

rattle him

Suggests a sudden shock or surprise that disturbs his composure.

put him on his guard

Suggests making someone cautious or defensive.

make him feel threatened

Implies a sense of danger or vulnerability.

intimidate him

Suggests frightening or subduing someone through force or fear.

FAQs

How can I use "put him on edge" in a sentence?

You can use "put him on edge" to describe how someone is made to feel nervous or uneasy. For instance, "The constant surveillance cameras "put him on edge"."

What are some alternatives to "put him on edge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "make him uneasy", "make him nervous", or "unsettle him", which convey similar but slightly different shades of meaning.

Is it better to say "put him on edge" or "made him nervous"?

Both are correct, but "put him on edge" suggests a subtle and perhaps involuntary feeling of unease, whereas "made him nervous" is a more direct statement of causing nervousness. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "put him on edge" and "intimidated him"?

"Put him on edge" implies a feeling of anxiety or unease, while "intimidated him" suggests a stronger feeling of being frightened or dominated. "Intimidated him" is a more direct show of power dynamic.