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

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2024

Scientists, engineers and the flight team were “waiting on pins and needles to hear back from Voyager 2, to see if the command was successful,” Dr. Spilker said.

From New York Times ● Aug. 4, 2023

And all the pins and needles worked into the carpet.

From "Secrets at Sea" by Richard Peck