on edge
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on edge
Anxious and tense A: "Why is Carrie pacing?" B: "She's waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she's been on edge all day."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on edge
1. Lit. on something's own edge. Can you stand a dime on edge? You should store these crates on edge, not lying flat.
2. Fig. nervous. (As if one were balanced as in {2}. See also on the edge.) I have really been on edge lately. Why are you so on edge?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on edge
Tense, nervous, irritable, as in We were all on edge as we waited for the surgeon's report. This expression transfers the edge of a cutting instrument to one's feelings. [Late 1800s] Also see on the edge; set one's teeth on edge.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on edge
COMMON If someone is on edge, they are anxious and unable to relax. She seemed a bit on edge the whole evening, which I put down to work stress.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
on edge
tense, nervous, or irritable.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on ˈedge
nervous, worried or anxious: Most people feel on edge before exams.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on edge
Highly tense or nervous; irritable.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.