tenterhook
noun
ten·ter·hook
| \ ˈten-tər-ˌhu̇k
\
\
Definition of tenterhook
: a sharp hooked nail used especially for fastening cloth on a tenter
on tenterhooks
: in a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense
the waiting kept us on tenterhooks
Examples of tenterhook in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And the New Bedford transplants, including her grandson and his Florida Atlantic University roommates, are on tenterhooks as the forecast keeps shifting. — Lucas Phillips, BostonGlobe.com, "Florida transplants from New Bedford await Dorian," 1 Sep. 2019 With global powers on tenterhooks, the risk of a miscalculation -- and a knee-jerk deployment of a nuclear weapon -- would increase. — Eliza Mackintosh, CNN, "Clock's ticking on one of world's most important nuclear treaties. A dangerous arms race may be next," 20 July 2019 His remarks on Sunday came after President Trump’s decision drew a mixed response in a region on tenterhooks over a potential war. — Summer Said, WSJ, "Bolton Defends Trump’s Decision to Not Attack Iran," 23 June 2019 Still on tenterhooks after the gripping final scene of Outlander's season premiere? — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Outlander Sneak Peek: Jamie's Aunt Jocasta Welcomes the Frasers to River Run," 7 Nov. 2018 Specifically, Remington — indeed, the entire firearms industry — is on tenterhooks waiting for a potential landmark ruling from the Connecticut Supreme Court. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Is the Sandy Hook massacre the real impetus behind the Remington Arms bankruptcy?," 27 Mar. 2018 The industry was on tenterhooks awaiting the catch information, which typically is announced by the International Pacific Halibut Commission in late January. — Laine Welch, Anchorage Daily News, "Decline in Pacific halibut fishery not as severe as feared," 26 Mar. 2018 While that's left traders on tenterhooks, some are arguing conditions are ripe for a market rebound. — Andreea Papuc, Bloomberg.com, "Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day," 25 Mar. 2018 Back then, critics were hardly on tenterhooks waiting for the man's latest tunes, either. — Newsweek, "Analysis," 14 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tenterhook.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more