English

Alternative forms

• on tender hooks (nonstandard)

Adjective

on tenterhooks ‎(not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) In a state of suspense or apprehension.
   • 1921, John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga, part 1, ch. 12,

     Why do you keep me on tenterhooks like this, putting me off and off?

Synonyms

• on pins and needles