highly strung
Britishadjective
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.
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
The highly strung clients are played by guest stars who stop by for an episode.
From The Guardian • Apr. 14, 2016
But the dog was weak, and highly strung, and suffered a heart attack one bright December morning in the country, leaping from the porch in happy pursuit of a squirrel.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
