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.

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Example Sentences

While the extreme volatility that greeted the start of the week has calmed, traders remained on edge over the impact of artificial intelligence on companies' bottom lines.

From Barron's

He had the experience of being the man at the table, of knowing what the adrenaline was like when matches were on edge, or when victory was coming into sight.

From BBC

The selloff has investors on edge, and on the lookout for signs it will force big firms to unload their holdings—triggering further declines in digital-coin prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Because of that, I think we are all on edge searching for any signs that the same thing might happen again, hence the big meltdown after the Manchester United game."

From BBC

Mal was on edge, looking around her shoulder at every step.

From Literature