on edge
on edge
Anxious and tense A: "Why is Carrie pacing?" B: "She's waiting for the doctor to call with her test results, so she's been on edge all day."
See also: edge, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on edge
1. Lit. on something's own edge. Can you stand a dime on edge? You should store these crates on edge, not lying flat.
2. Fig. nervous. (As if one were balanced as in {2}. See also on the edge.) I have really been on edge lately. Why are you so on edge?
See also: edge, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on edge
Tense, nervous, irritable, as in We were all on edge as we waited for the surgeon's report. This expression transfers the edge of a cutting instrument to one's feelings. [Late 1800s] Also see on the edge; set one's teeth on edge.
See also: edge, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on edge
COMMON If someone is on edge, they are anxious and unable to relax. She seemed a bit on edge the whole evening, which I put down to work stress.
See also: edge, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
on edge
tense, nervous, or irritable.See also: edge, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on ˈedge
nervous, worried or anxious: Most people feel on edge before exams.See also: edge, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on edge
Highly tense or nervous; irritable.
See also: edge, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be on edge
- have an/the edge over (someone or something)
- have, etc. an/the edge on/over somebody/something
- have an edge on
- have an edge on (someone or something)
- back and edge
- topple off
- topple off of (something)
- topple from (something)
- edge around (something)