waiting on tenterhooks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting on tenterhooks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of anxious anticipation or suspense while waiting for news or a decision. Example: "As the results of the competition were announced, the entire audience was waiting on tenterhooks to hear who the winner would be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"The really interesting thing is that it didn't just break through in one clean shot, it formed a lace-network of cracks first and then we were all waiting on tenterhooks to see which one would be the final pathway," said Dr Anna Hogg, an expert in satellite observations of glaciers at the University of Leeds and member of the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling.

The Guardian

"We are waiting on tenterhooks".

The New York Times

"They are just waiting on tenterhooks," he said.

The New York Times

"Her forecasts are like the War and Peace of horoscopes," says Bevy Smith, who admits to waiting on tenterhooks for Miller's monthly updates.

The Guardian

Keeping up-to-date with the news, while you're waiting on tenterhooks to see how your pupils have done, is almost impossible.

The Guardian

With many on Wall Street waiting on tenterhooks for the dénouement of the SAC Capital story, the big question is whether Cohen will succeed in radically downsizing the firm, currently one of the world's biggest hedge funds, on his own terms, or whether the Justice Department will issue it a death warrant.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

No one should be forced to wait on tenterhooks to find out what hours the company rota has them working over the next week or month.

The Guardian - Business

So as debate rages in Parliament in 1940, the brave, handsome Lloyd Williams waits on tenterhooks to see whether the prime minister will be forced to resign.

The New York Times - Books

His characters "wait on tenterhooks" for events to unfold and drift through romantic encounters "in a cloud of happiness". Although there is nothing egregious in these examples, they do reflect an overall reliance on plain, unevocative language.

The Washington Post

For weeks, school officials and education advocates across New York State have waited on tenterhooks for the list of schools deemed "persistently dangerous," which state education officials were required to prepare by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

The New York Times

We wait on tenterhooks to find out whether Selina Scott, the 80s daytime pinup girl who is now rumoured to be contemplating standing as an MP in Yorkshire, perhaps when William Hague vacates his seat next year, will make the same mistake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting on tenterhooks" to vividly convey a sense of anxious anticipation, especially when the outcome is uncertain and significant.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting on tenterhooks" for mild anticipation. This idiom implies a high level of anxiety and suspense; using it in trivial situations weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting on tenterhooks" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the manner in which someone is waiting. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English, typically describing anxious anticipation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "waiting on tenterhooks" vividly describes a state of anxious anticipation. It's grammatically sound and primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI validates its use in written English. Alternatives include "on pins and needles" and "in suspense". While effective, it's crucial to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations with genuine anxiety to avoid diluting its impact. The phrase is generally accepted as correct in most contexts, albeit slightly informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on pins and needles

This alternative idiom expresses a state of nervous anticipation, similar to the feeling of "waiting on tenterhooks" but focuses more on physical unease.

with bated breath

This phrase captures the holding-of-breath feeling of anticipation, offering a slightly more dramatic alternative to "waiting on tenterhooks".

in suspense

This phrase is a more general way of describing a state of uncertainty and anxious waiting, differing from "waiting on tenterhooks" in its lack of idiomatic color.

in nervous anticipation

This phrase directly describes the emotional state of being nervous while anticipating something, offering a less colorful but equally clear alternative.

anxiously awaiting

This option replaces the idiomatic expression with a more straightforward description of the emotional state.

on edge

This alternative highlights the nervous tension associated with waiting, rather than the specific image of being stretched.

eagerly anticipating

This expresses a strong desire for something to happen, but with less of the nervous tension implied by "waiting on tenterhooks".

sweating it out

This idiom suggests a more stressful and potentially negative outcome, adding a layer of concern not always present in "waiting on tenterhooks".

in a state of high anxiety

A more clinical and descriptive way to convey the stressful anticipation, lacking the figurative language of the original.

counting the seconds

This option emphasizes the feeling of time dragging slowly while waiting, differing from "waiting on tenterhooks" by focusing on the temporal aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting on tenterhooks" to describe a situation where someone is anxiously awaiting a result or decision. For example, "The students were "waiting on tenterhooks" to hear their exam results".

What does it mean to be "waiting on tenterhooks"?

To be "waiting on tenterhooks" means to be in a state of anxious suspense, often involving uncertainty about the outcome of an event or situation. It implies a heightened state of nervousness and anticipation.

Which is a better alternative to "waiting on tenterhooks", "on pins and needles" or "in suspense"?

Both "on pins and needles" and "in suspense" are suitable alternatives to "waiting on tenterhooks", depending on the nuance you want to convey. "On pins and needles" emphasizes the feeling of nervous agitation, while "in suspense" focuses more on the uncertainty of the situation.

Is "waiting on tenterhooks" formal or informal?

"Waiting on tenterhooks" is considered a somewhat informal idiom, though it's acceptable in many contexts, including news and media. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more straightforward alternative like "anxiously awaiting".