WAS TENTERHOOKS Meaning and
Definition
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To be on tenterhooks means to be in a state of extreme anxiety, apprehension, or suspense over a future event, often accompanied by nervousness or distress. This phrase is commonly used to depict a heightened level of anticipation or uncertainty about an upcoming situation, causing one to feel tense or on edge.
The expression originated from the literal practice of stretching cloth on a tenter, a wooden frame used in the textile industry to dry or prepare fabric. The fabric would be woven and then placed on these tenter frames, where it was pulled taut and held securely with hooks to maintain its shape and size during the drying process. Consequently, any fabric on tenterhooks was pulled tightly and vulnerable, just like someone eagerly waiting for an outcome.
Metaphorically, being on tenterhooks is akin to being suspended in a state of suspenseful anticipation, much like the cloth held firmly by hooks, awaiting an unknown or crucial outcome. This state of emotional tension may arise from various circumstances, such as awaiting exam results, anticipating a job interview, or waiting for news about a loved one's health. Being on tenterhooks generally suggests a mix of anxiety, excitement, and eagerness, with an overwhelming desire for the uncertainty to be resolved.
Common Misspellings for WAS TENTERHOOKS
Etymology of WAS TENTERHOOKS
The phrase "on tenterhooks" is derived from the word "tenter" which refers to a wooden frame used for stretching and drying cloth after it is woven. In medieval times, these frames had numerous small hooks or nails, known as "tenterhooks", on which the cloth would be suspended. This process ensured that the fabric would retain its shape while drying.
The phrase "on tenterhooks" later came to be used metaphorically to express a state of unease, tension, or anxiety. It suggests being held in suspense, much like a piece of cloth delicately hanging on a tenterhook. The use of "was" in "was on tenterhooks" simply indicates the past tense form of the phrase.
