How to Pronounce "on tenterhooks"
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɛntɚˌhʊks
ON TEN-ter-hooks
ˈɒn/ /tˈɛntəhˌʊks
ON TEN-tuh-hooks
Definition
Feeling very nervous or anxious while waiting for something important or uncertain to happen.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɛntɚˌhʊks
British English
ˈɒn/ /tˈɛntəhˌʊks
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ON TEN-ter-hooks
UK
ON TEN-tuh-hooks
Listen in Context
I'm on tenterhooks waiting for my exam results.
She was on tenterhooks before her job interview.
The children were on tenterhooks waiting for the show to start.
We were all on tenterhooks as the winner was about to be announced.