"A bundle of nerves" is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is extremely anxious, tense, or nervous. It refers to a person who is highly sensitive to external stimuli, often experiencing a heightened level of stress or anxiety in various situations. The term "bundle" implies a gathering or collection, suggesting that the individual's nerves are tightly twisted or compacted together, resulting in an intense emotional response.
This phrase can be used to depict someone who is overwhelmed with worry or apprehension, displaying symptoms such as fidgeting, restlessness, trembling, or a racing heart. It may often imply a sense of vulnerability or fragility, as if the person's emotions are on the verge of unraveling. Whether the nervousness is prompted by a particular event, public speaking, performance anxiety, or daily life stressors, a bundle of nerves often struggles to maintain composure.
The expression can also be employed metaphorically to describe situations or objects that are causing intense worry or anxiety. For example, the anticipation of an important exam or a job interview may be described as "a bundle of nerves" as these events provoke anxiety and tension.
Overall, "a bundle of nerves" captures the image of someone feeling overwhelmed and highly strung, signifying a person's state of extreme nervousness, anxiety, or stress that can be both physical and psychological.
