On pins and needles
/ɒn pɪnz ən ˈniːdəlz/informalUS
What does “On pins and needles” mean?
On pins and needles means nervous or excited while waiting for something uncertain
Waiting for news can make it hard to relax or concentrate. Being on pins and needles captures that restless feeling.
The news might be welcome or worrying; you do not know yet. This is different from the physical tingling you get after sitting on your foot.
When do people say it?
Use it for tense waiting, especially in American English. Without “on,” “pins and needles” usually means a tingling feeling.
“We were on pins and needles until the school announced the results.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in US.
Where does it come from?
The image is of being too uncomfortable to sit calmly, as though sitting on sharp pins and needles.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “On pins and needles” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Get cold feet, To become nervous and back out.
Last updated 2026-09-19