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

Software companies have been on edge about the launch of artificial-intelligence start-up Anthropic’s latest AI release.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Steven Bak, another Shomrim volunteer, said locals remained on edge - but vowed to keep standing together.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

All this competence puts us in a strange state — a suspenseful trance — in which you feel on edge while also relaxing into the idea that the characters have things under control.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It makes you on edge, she told me, not knowing if you can protect your kid, if you can feed her, all because of something outside your control.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

I don’t usually eavesdrop, but Halloween has put me on edge.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan