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

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

The ex-Top Gear presenter said he "ignored these things" and later got "pins and needles in my left arm".

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2024

“We waited on pins and needles for 12 days,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2024

I flick it back and forth until it moves from numb to pins and needles, then I peek through the blinds to see if Mom is here.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko