on pins and needles

phrase

Definition of on pins and needlesnext
as in anxious
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty We were all on pins and needles as we awaited the doctor's call.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for on pins and needles
on edge
Phrase
  • Kitchens, the Leavenworth police chief, acknowledged that the community was on edge and that some families may have been concerned about sending their children to school.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Markets remained on edge with higher oil prices and Treasury yields weighing on investor sentiment and triggering fears of additional interest rate hikes.
    — , CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of on edge
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

on one's toes
on pins and needles
on purpose
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On pins and needles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/on%20pins%20and%20needles. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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