nail-biter

American  

[neyl-bahy-ter] / ˈneɪlˌbaɪ tər /

Or nail biter

noun

1. a person who bites their nails, especially habitually.

2. a situation marked by anxiety or tension.

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Other Word Forms

• nail-biting noun

Etymology

Origin of nail-biter

1970–75

Example Sentences

In two first-round nail-biters this weekend, a pair of underdogs turned the College Football Playoff on its head in exactly the same way—with a game-wrecking interception.

From The Wall Street Journal

On their miraculous journey to the College Football Playoff, the Oklahoma Sooners have scraped through a series of nail-biters.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s enough to make a nail-biter out of me.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before those questions get their due, however, “Relay” sets itself up with clockwork precision as a straightforward big-city nail-biter about staying one step ahead.

From Los Angeles Times

The outcome is a nail-biter of a tale with humor smuggled in like contraband.

From Los Angeles Times