What is the synonym of on tenterhooks?
Phrases Synonymous with on tenterhooks. on edge, on pins and needles.
What does it mean to wait on tenterhooks?
When someone is in a state of uneasiness or suspense, you might say that person is on tenterhooks. We’re on the edge of our seats to learn more. Other property owners in the area remain on tenterhooks.
What is another word for waiting on something?
1 await, linger, abide, delay.
What does tenterhooks mean in British?
Meaning of tenterhooks in English worried or nervous about something that is going to happen: We were on tenterhooks all morning waiting for the phone to ring. Anxious and worried.
How do you use tenterhooks in a sentence?
We’re on tenterhooks to discover if they will say yes. We are on tenterhooks until we hear you. This season they are on tenterhooks again. They were on tenterhooks, waiting for a phone call.
What is the best definition of a bastion?
Definition of bastion 1 : a projecting part of a fortification a bastion at each of the fort’s five corners. 2 : a fortified area or position bombing island bastions. 3 : stronghold sense 2 the last bastion of academic standards — Amer. Scientist.
Why are they called tenterhooks?
It comes from the Latin word tentus, which means “to stretch.” The word ‘tenterhooks’ comes from the metal hooks that manufacturers used to stretch wool on a tenter while it dried.
How do you spell Tenderhooks?
Tenterhooks, also called tenter hooks, are nails that hook into a device called a tenter. This tenter is a wooden frame that dates back as early as the 14th century. The tenter and tenterhooks were used in the process of making woolen cloth.
How do you politely tell someone to wait?
10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:
- Hang on a moment / a mo.
- Give us a second.
- Half a moment / a mo.
- I’ll be right with you.
- Sorry, I’m a bit tied up right now.
- Wait and see.
- You’ll just have to be patient.
- Give me a chance.
Where did the phrase on tenterhooks come from?
Towards the end of World War I, the process was brought inside and dried by steam heating. The saying ‘to be on tenterhooks’ originated from this method of controlled drying, used to mean being in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense.
Is the saying tenterhooks or Tenderhooks?
On tenterhooks NOT on tender hooks This phrase, meaning worried anticipation, comes from the word ‘tenter’ which was a frame on which cloth was stretched to prevent shrinking. The tenterhook kept the cloth tense and tight – hence the expression. A tender hook isn’t a thing.
Why do we say tender hooks?
What does Rampart stand for?
a protective barrier
Definition of rampart 1 : a protective barrier : bulwark. 2 : a broad embankment raised as a fortification and usually surmounted by a parapet. 3 : a wall-like ridge (as of rock fragments, earth, or debris)
Are tenterhooks still used?
The OED says it is now a rare or obscure saying, but people also used to say they were “on tenters” or “on the tenter” to mean the same thing as “on tenterhooks.” So remember, you aren’t on tenderhooks. You’re on tenterhooks.
Is the saying tenterhooks or tenterhooks?
The tenter and tenterhooks were used in the process of making woolen cloth. Tenterhooks are not used commonly anymore, and the word is exclusively used in the metaphorical phrase to be on tenterhooks. In any situation when someone is feeling nervous or tense, you would say they are on tenterhooks.
Is the saying tender hooks or tenterhooks?
What is a word for excitedly waiting?
expectant Add to list Share. If you’re expectant, you’re waiting excitedly for something. A throng of expectant fans might wait outside a concert venue, hoping for a glimpse of the band arriving.