pins and needles

American  

noun

1. a tingly, prickly sensation in a limb that is recovering from numbness.

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idioms

1. on pins and needles, in a state of nervous anticipation.

   The father-to-be was on pins and needles.

pins and needles British  

noun

1. a tingling sensation in the fingers, toes, legs, etc, caused by the return of normal blood circulation after its temporary impairment

2. in a state of anxious suspense or nervous anticipation

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Etymology

Origin of pins and needles

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pins and needles

“These households have been on pins and needles over the past several months because they’ve all been notified that the subsidy was running out at the end of the calendar year,” Salas said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

He added that he was “on pins and needles, like everybody else.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 7, 2026

After sitting for a long time, you may find walking difficult or feel pins and needles in your legs.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 15, 2025

John Kelly was driving to Dublin for work when he felt a tightness in his chest and pins and needles in his arm.

From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2024

I walked on pins and needles every day, waiting for him to take his revenge.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss