- Meaning
- This idiom describes a state of nervous anticipation, suspense, or anxiety, as if stretched taut like fabric on tenterhooks (hooks used to dry cloth). It conveys tension or uncertainty, often used in personal, professional, or dramatic contexts to depict waiting anxiously. The phrase carries a tone of unease, excitement, or impatience, reflecting cultural values of composure and the human tendency to fret over outcomes. Its textile imagery evokes a strained state, resonating in scenarios like awaiting news or results. The idiom captures suspense, making it a vivid metaphor for nervous waiting.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 15th-century England, tied to wool industry tenterhooks that stretched cloth, as noted in textile records. Its metaphorical use emerged in the 18th century, with Alexander Pope’s *Dunciad* (1728) using it for suspense. The idiom gained traction in 19th-century literature, notably in Charles Dickens’ *Great Expectations* (1861). Its spread was amplified by theater and media, with *The Times* using it for tense events. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures stems from its vivid imagery and relevance to anxiety.
- Variants
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- On tenter hooks
- On tenderhooks
- Kept on tenterhooks
- Examples
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- She was on tenterhooks waiting for the college acceptance letter.
- On tenter hooks, he awaited the jury’s verdict.
- Kept on tenterhooks, they watched the election results unfold.
- On tenderhooks, she paced during the job interview call.
- They were on tenterhooks, anxious for the test results.
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