white knuckler

white-knuckler

slang A situation, experience, event, etc., that is marked or characterized by intense fear, anxiety, or stress. The last quarter of the game was a real white-knuckler, with the home team defending a two-point advantage against an offensive onslaught by their opponents. Driving so close to the edge of the cliff was a white-knuckler, to be sure.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

white knuckler

1. n. a tense and nervous person. You white knucklers are just going to have to relax.
2. n. a suspenseful event, such as an exciting movie or a rough airplane flight. The movie was a real white knuckler.
See also: knuckler, white
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • cat-and-mouse game
  • male gaze
  • a dog-eat-dog world
  • a chapter of accidents
  • hard luck
  • have a charmed existence
  • lead a charmed existence
  • lead a charmed life
  • live a charmed existence
  • live a charmed life
References in periodicals archive
"This issue is likely to be a white knuckler that will go down to the wire," Danin said.
Clinton heads to Mideast to boost fledgling peace talks
When one thinks disorientation, it's by and large assumed to be a known issue, the sort-of white knuckler that makes your heart race.
Flat light flying: when mother nature plays illusionist, knowing her tricks in advance may prevent you from being duped
Dean's stellar, fully voiced performance turns a good story into a "white knuckler." He handles male and female voices as well as foreign accents with ease and makes the action scenes come alive.
Clarke, Richard A. Breakpoint
With height restrictions of at least 1.4m for white knucklers Air and Nemesis, Holly, who comes in at 1.3m tall, was delighted she made the 1.2m cut for The Corkscrew.
WATER WAY TO GO FOR FUN; Alton Towers is a holiday getaway that promises and delivers fun for the whole family, finds JEAN HAMILTON