What does tenterhook mean?
waiting nervously for something to happen
The phrase “on tenterhooks” means “waiting nervously for something to happen.” A tenterhook is literally a sharp hook that fastens cloth to a tenter, a frame on which cloth is stretched, like a tent, for even drying to prevent shrinkage.
What is the origin of the expression on tenterhooks?
Towards the end of World War I, the process was brought inside and dried by steam heating. The saying ‘to be on tenterhooks’ originated from this method of controlled drying, used to mean being in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense.
How do you use tenterhook in a sentence?
1. We were kept on tenterhooks for hours while the judges chose the winner. 2. She had been on tenterhooks all night, expecting Joe to return at any moment.
Is the saying tenterhooks or Tenderhooks?
On tenterhooks NOT on tender hooks This phrase, meaning worried anticipation, comes from the word ‘tenter’ which was a frame on which cloth was stretched to prevent shrinking. The tenterhook kept the cloth tense and tight – hence the expression. A tender hook isn’t a thing.
Is illustratively a word?
adj. Acting or serving as an illustration. il·lus′tra·tive·ly adv.
What is a poppycock meaning?
nonsense
Definition of poppycock : empty talk or writing : nonsense.
What does have your druthers mean?
Definition of druthers dialect. : free choice : preference —used especially in the phrase if one had one’s druthers.
Are hook hooks or tenter hooks?
Tenterhooks or tenter hooks are hooked nails in a device called a tenter. Tenters were wooden frames which were used as far back as the 14th century in the process of making woollen cloth. The phrase “on tenterhooks” has become a metaphor for nervous anticipation.
Who will bell the cat sentence?
Meaning: v. take a risk; perform a daring act. 1. Yes, but who’ll tell him she’s no good-who’ll bell the cat?
Is poppycock a curse word?
It’s a fine-sounding expletive — meaning nonsense or rubbish — but hardly heard on anybody’s lips these days, and rather dated.