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tenterhook

   Also found in: Idioms, Wikipedia 0.04 sec.
ten·ter·hook  (tntr-hk)
n.
A hooked nail for securing cloth on a tenter.
Idiom:
on tenterhooks
In a state of uneasiness, suspense, or anxiety.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.tenterhook - one of a series of hooks used to hold cloth on a tenter
claw, hook - a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something
tenter - a framework with hooks used for stretching and drying cloth


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
They wanted to know whether she, whom I expected to see, was dark or fair; whether that fascination which kept me on tenterhooks of expectation was one of my aristocrats or one of my marine beauties: for they knew I had a footing in both these - shall we say circles?
The Arrow of Gold by Conrad, Joseph View in context
Or was he perhaps, in an intense dislike for the job, beating about the bush and only puzzling Captain Anthony, the providential man, who, if he expected the girl to appear at any moment, must have been on tenterhooks all the time, and beside himself with impatience to see the back of his brother-in-law.
Chance by Conrad, Joseph View in context
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