How to Pronounce "keep on tenterhooks"
expression
ˈkip/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɛn.tɚˌhʊks
KEEP awn TEN-ter-hooks
kˈiːp/ /ˈɒn/ /tˈɛntəhˌʊks
KEEP on TEN-tuh-hooks
Definition
To make someone feel very nervous, anxious, or excited because they do not know what will happen next.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkip/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈtɛn.tɚˌhʊks
British English
kˈiːp/ /ˈɒn/ /tˈɛntəhˌʊks
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KEEP awn TEN-ter-hooks
UK
KEEP on TEN-tuh-hooks
Listen in Context
The teacher kept the students on tenterhooks about their test scores.
The movie kept us on tenterhooks until the very end.
The announcement was delayed and kept everyone on tenterhooks.
He likes to keep his friends on tenterhooks with his mysterious stories.