ɒn pɪnz ænd ˈniːdlz
General
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Standing on sharp pins and needles
What does "on pins and needles" mean?
- In a state of anxious suspense
- Nervously waiting for something to happen
Examples
- I was on pins and needles waiting for the test results.
- The suspense had everyone on pins and needles.
- She's been on pins and needles since the interview.
Origin
From the uncomfortable sensation of pins and needles (paresthesia) in limbs. Extended to mean nervous anticipation.
How to use it
Describes tense anticipation. Often used for waiting for important news.
Similar expressions
anxious
nervous
in suspense
on edge
Opposites
relaxed
calm
at ease
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "on pins and needles" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.