How do you say “On pins and needles” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is estar en ascuas, which literally means “to be among embers”. English speakers use on pins and needles to mean nervous or excited while waiting for something uncertain. Often used when someone is slow to share important news. Register: informal. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
estar en ascuas
/esˈtaɾ en ˈaskwas/
- Literal meaning
- “to be among embers”
- Register
- informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
97 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
“Ascuas” are glowing embers. The phrase gives Spanish the same uncomfortable waiting feeling as the English pins and needles.
“Me tienes en ascuas” tells someone their delay is keeping you in suspense. It can be playful about a surprise or serious about important news.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity3 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
In context
English
We were on pins and needles until the school announced the results.
Spanish
Estuvimos en ascuas hasta que el colegio anunció los resultados.
English
I'm on pins and needles waiting for her call.
Spanish
Estoy en ascuas esperando su llamada.
Related expressions
- What “On pins and needles” means in English
- Get cold feet, To become nervous and back out.
Last updated 2026-09-19