On pins and needles describes a state of agitation in anticipation of something, nervously awaiting an outcome. On pins and needles appears in the English language in the early 1800s. Pins and needles is a phrase that describes the physical tingling sensation one experiences when a part of the body goes numb. On pins and needles is a figurative use of the phrase pins and needles, describing nervously awaiting an outcome, prickly with agitation as if sitting on pins and needles. This phrase in mainly found in North America.
Examples
Instead of enjoying their mental break, returning players have been on pins and needles wondering who their head coach will be in 2016-17. (The Albuquerque Journal)
“I think a lot of people are on pins and needles worrying about their jobs.” (The Gillette News Record)
Since then he’s been on pins and needles, knowing that a decision was imminent. (The National Post)
While the 6-foot-11 Ellenson is keeping Golden Eagles Nation on pins and needles about his decision, the sentiment here is the same as it was in this space a couple of months ago: Barring a last-minute change of heart, he’s going to bolt Marquette. (The Racine Journal Times)
“We know married Bahamian mothers who have lived, and continue to live, on pins and needles because their children have no automatic right to Bahamian citizenship because they were born outside of the Bahamas. (The Bahamas Tribune)
While he will undoubtedly be getting the best possible care, Chicago fans and the entire Bulls organization are both likely on pins and needles regarding the consultation. (The Washington Post)
“Everyone is on pins and needles because there is no faith in the criminal justice system in the community,” said Raymond Kelly of the No Boundaries Coalition, an advocacy group in West Baltimore that helped organize a cleanup effort after the unrest over Mr. Gray’s death. (The New York Times)