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

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 Literature

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

From Science Daily

“We were all on pins and needles,” Missy says.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Everybody was on pins and needles,” the counselor said at the hearing.

From Salon

"I'd started to get these really intense pins and needles in my hands. It was like throwing a snowball and then running your hands under hot water afterwards. It's really painful and hot."

From BBC