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highly strung

British  

adjective

  1. tense and easily upset; excitable; nervous

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

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Aimée Kelly plays the role with a winning blend of caustic humor and narcissistic self-pity: She’s highly strung, manipulative and insecure.

From New York Times Oct. 27, 2023

Under the FMBA, with its direct reporting line to the Kremlin, Star City’s clinic was a highly strung place.

From Reuters Nov. 13, 2020

Neither rescuer had anticipated that the "highly strung" animal may attempt to flee the large enclosure, which currently held three other kangaroos.

From BBC Aug. 1, 2018

He passes the racket to me – it is light and not highly strung, which could also be said of the man.

From The Guardian Jun. 18, 2016

A member of the Non-European Unity Movement, Don had grown up in the diamond-mining area of Kimberley and was a rugged, fearless fellow who was also highly strung.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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