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Synonyms

on edge

Idioms  

  1. Tense, nervous, irritable, as in We were all on edge as we waited for the surgeon's report. This expression transfers the edge of a cutting instrument to one's feelings. [Late 1800s] Also see on the edge; set one's teeth on edge.

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.

“The market is certainly on edge as it relates to Iran,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

While the BOJ left its policy rate unchanged at 0.75% earlier this month, a summary of opinions from that meeting released Monday showed the policy board already on edge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Abi said her symptoms start the second she thinks about leaving the house and include "checking around every corner, being on edge, stressed and nauseous".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Another piece of news from artificial-intelligence lab Anthropic has investors on edge.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

“I’m okay, I promise. Just a little on edge, that’s all.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

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.