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Synonyms

bundle of nerves

American  

noun

  1. someone who is overcome with worry, fear, or anxiety.

    He’s an incredible singer but a complete bundle of nerves before a performance.


bundle of nerves Idioms  
  1. Extremely jittery, tense, or fearful person, as in For months after the accident, Aunt Jane was a bundle of nerves. [1930s]


Etymology

Origin of bundle of nerves

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Keys, who upset Aryna Sabalenka in last year's final, admitted after her laboured first-round win that she was a bundle of nerves and "too timid".

From Barron's Jan. 22, 2026

They were a bundle of nerves stepping into the venue, he said, but other guests immediately put them at ease.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 8, 2025

If you are attacked, the most sensitive part of a shark is its nose, which is a bundle of nerves, and its eyes.

From National Geographic Aug. 17, 2023

The Spinal Cord The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that connects the brain to the rest of the body, allowing messages to be sent back and forth.

From NewsForKids.net May 30, 2023

I’m a veritable bundle of nerves awaiting the outcome of this race.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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