On Pins and Needles: Meaning and Usage

Meaning 1：anxious and tense (On pins and needles)

On pins and needles 🔊

/ɑːn pɪnz ænd ˈniːdəlz/

adj. phrase

Feeling very nervous and anxious, unable to relax because you're waiting for something important to happen.

On pins and needles idiom anxious person waiting

anxious and tense 🔊

➕

/ˈæŋkʃəs ænd tɛns/

adj. phrase

Describes a state of extreme nervousness and unease, especially while awaiting news or results.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

A fixed phrase derived from the physical sensation of tingling, used metaphorically for anxiety.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine sitting on actual pins while waiting for news – the discomfort mirrors the anxiety.

📖 Example

Waiting for her college acceptance letter kept her on pins and needles all week. 🔊 She was on pins and needles all week while waiting for her college acceptance letter.

🔗 Collocations

be on pins and needles – to be in a state of anxious anticipation

wait on pins and needles – to wait nervously for something

keep someone on pins and needles – to cause someone to remain in suspense

🔄 Synonyms

on edge (adj. phrase) – Feeling nervous and unable to relax

anxious (adj.) – Experiencing worry or unease about something

jittery (adj.) – Nervous and fidgety

🚫 Antonyms

calm (adj.) – Free from strong emotion, relaxed

at ease (adj. phrase) – Comfortable and relaxed

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase 'on pins and needles' dates back to the 19th century, linking the uncomfortable pricking sensation to emotional restlessness. It is frequently used in everyday English to describe pre-result anxiety.