In a state of suspense or apprehension.
tense in anticipation of something.
The phrase originated in the wool industry where fleeces were stretched on a frame between hooks to dry after washing the fleeces.
It was results day and he was on tenterhooks waiting to find out whether he had passed his exams.
State of suspense, worried about something, agitated because of uncertainty
The fans were on tenterhooks throughout the game.
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Nearby phrases
Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to on tenterhooks
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"on tenterhooks." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/idioms/on-tenterhooks>.
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