Synonyms

on edge

Idioms

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.

Money’s tight, faith is waning, everyone is on edge.

From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026

Global markets are on edge Thursday after fresh strikes by the U.S. and Iran overnight.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The persistent problem, he said, had left him and his family, as well as his neighbours, "always on edge".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Some SPV investors have already been on edge wondering if the tangled web of SPVs could delay them from taking ownership of investments after companies go public.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

Says he's checking up on me, but he's still all on edge.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023