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

See Examples For:

on edge

Shorris’s appointment was a sigh of relief to much of the private sector, which had been on edge about the long delay in hiring someone to lead the agency.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

But people were on edge after their ordeal,

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Origin is a notable investment in downtown nightlife at a time when the area is on edge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

The $30 trillion Treasury market has been on edge ever since Fed Chair Kevin Warsh began talking tough about the need to get inflation back down to 2%.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

But for some reason, this swastika thing has got her on edge.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman