tenterhook

ریشه

From 'tenter', a frame on which cloth is stretched for drying, + 'hook'. The phrase 'on tenterhooks' means being in a state of tension, as the cloth is on the tenter.

مثال

• I was on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results.
• The whole city was on tenterhooks during the hurricane.
• She kept him on tenterhooks while deciding whether to accept his proposal.

ترکیب‌های رایج

On tenterhooks Keep someone on tenterhooks