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UKon pins and needles
/ˌɒn pˈɪnz and nˈiːdəlz/
/ˌɑːn pˈɪnz ænd nˈiːdəlz/on pins and needles
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "on pins and needles" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "on pins and needles" can be traced back to the 18th century, specifically to the practice of cushioning furniture with pins and needles. During that time, upholsterers would use pins and needles to secure padding or stuffing in furniture, such as chairs and cushions. This phrase is commonly employed when waiting for important news, results, or outcomes, such as waiting for the results of a job interview, a medical diagnosis, or the announcement of a competition winner.
Examples
1. I was on pins and needles until I found out I'd won.
2. I think we all have been sitting on pins and needles and anxious for something to happen.
3. The crowd out there was, of course, waiting on pins and needles to try to see what the verdict would be.
4. And we had to sit on pins and needles for almost a full year to learn whether or not our legal system had the capacity to convict someone and hold someone accountable.
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