tenterhook

[ten-ter-hook]

noun

1. one of the hooks or bent nails that hold cloth stretched on a tenter.

tenterhook

/ ˈtɛntəˌhʊk /

noun

1. one of a series of hooks or bent nails used to hold cloth stretched on a tenter

2. in a state of tension or suspense

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenterhook¹

First recorded in 1470–80; tenter + hook ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on tenterhooks, in a state of uneasy suspense or painful anxiety.

   The movie keeps one on tenterhooks until the very last moment.

Example Sentences

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards are mere days away and, as someone who regularly writes about them, I’m trying to locate my tenterhooks, but it’s a bit tough this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Everything from gun violence to anti-Semitism is putting Americans on tenterhooks, according to the consultancy's Dominic Volek.

From BBC

Turns out that Carmy’s obsessive determination to change the menu daily, and keep his staff on perpetual tenterhooks, was perceived as disruptive, but not in a good way.

From Los Angeles Times

The escalation in tensions is keeping tourists and business owners on tenterhooks.

From BBC

South Korea remains on tenterhooks for another upcoming decision by the same court - on the impeachment of President Yoon.

From BBC

When To Use

What does tenterhook mean?

A tenterhook is a hook used to attach cloth to a tenter—a frame on which cloth is stretched during the manufacturing process so that it can keep its shape while drying.Tenterhooks are no longer widely used in cloth manufacturing, and the word tenterhook is now almost exclusively used in the metaphorical phrase on tenterhooks, meaning in a state of painfully anxious suspense or tension. Being on tenterhooks typically involves being extremely nervous while awaiting the outcome of a tense situation, such as a close election, an exciting sports game, or a horror movie.Example: I’ve been on tenterhooks all morning waiting for the doctor’s office to call back with my test results.