Feeling agitated with suspense, waiting for something anxiously, worried or excited about something

Etymology:

  • This idiom originated in the 19th century. There are occasions when you are not able to sit still as you are very anxious or nervous for something about to happen. Your condition is like someone is sticking needles or pins into you. An author used the phrase “on pins and needles” to demonstrate the condition and it became popular.
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You shouldn’t keep Vaughn on pins and needles.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'On Pins and Needles':

on pins and needlesFeeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense.
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Translation

Find a translation for the On Pins and Needles phrase in other languages:

sur épingles et aiguilles

su spilli e aghi

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