Etymology:
- This idiom originated in the 19th century. There are occasions when you are not able to sit still as you are very anxious or nervous for something about to happen. Your condition is like someone is sticking needles or pins into you. An author used the phrase “on pins and needles” to demonstrate the condition and it became popular.
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You shouldn’t keep Vaughn on pins and needles.
Submitted on February 25, 2019
Additional definitions for 'On Pins and Needles':
| on pins and needles | Feeling sharp anticipation or anxiety; in a state of suspense. |
Translation
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sur épingles et aiguilles
su spilli e aghi
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"On Pins and Needles." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/on-pins-and-needles_44891>.
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