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.

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

With work, I’m always on edge and trying to hold onto this thing that could be taken away from me any day.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The lack of concrete developments from the U.S.-China summit had investors on edge Friday morning.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

As she walked, the sickly sweet smell got stronger and set her nerves on edge.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan

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