Basic Details
Word: Tenterhooks
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A state of anxious suspense or nervousness while waiting for something to happen.
Synonyms: Trepidation, anxiety, suspense
Antonyms: Calmness, serenity, relaxation
Idioms and Phrases
- On tenterhooks: To be in a state of anxious suspense. Example: "She was on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results."
- Left hanging on tenterhooks: Left uncertain or anxious, waiting for a decision. Example: "The surprising news left him hanging on tenterhooks for days."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The audience sat on tenterhooks as the magician prepared for the great finale.
Example 2: During the last few minutes of the match, fans were on tenterhooks, eager to see which team would win.
Example 3: She was on tenterhooks, worried about whether her best friend would arrive on time for the surprise party.
Fun Fact
The term "tenterhooks" comes from the old practice of stretching cloth on a frame called a "tenter" to keep it from shrinking while it dried. The hooks held the fabric, and just like the fabric, people waiting anxiously seem to be stretched thin by their nerves!
Famous Quote
"I was on tenterhooks waiting for the outcome of my performance." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tenterhooks" mean?
a) A type of flower
b) A state of anxious suspense
c) A kind of food
d) A style of dance
Answer: b) A state of anxious suspense
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tenterhooks"?
a) Calmness
b) Trepidation
c) Joy
d) Peace
Answer: b) Trepidation
3. What is an antonym of "tenterhooks"?
a) Anxiety
b) Nervousness
c) Serenity
d) Suspense
Answer: c) Serenity
4. Which sentence uses "tenterhooks" correctly?
a) She was on tenterhooks before her dance recital.
b) He planted the tenterhooks in the garden.
c) The teacher gave the tenters a labelled jar.
d) The dog enjoyed playing with the tenterhooks.
Answer: a) She was on tenterhooks before her dance recital.
5. Which idiom means the same as "tenterhooks"?
a) In a pickle
b) On tenterhooks
c) Barking up the wrong tree
d) Under the weather
Answer: b) On tenterhooks
