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What does the phrase on pins and needles mean?

Author

Mia Smith

Published Feb 23, 2026

What does the phrase on pins and needles mean?

on pins and needles. : in a nervous or jumpy state of anticipation.

Is sitting on pins and needles an idiom?

If you are on pins and needles, you are very anxious or nervous about something that is going to happen. Note: You can also say that someone is sitting on pins and needles. I think we all have been sitting on pins and needles and anxious for something to happen.

Where does on pins and needles come from?

Pins and needles are a tingling or prickling sensation that is often felt in hands or feet. Usually this is due to pressure on nerves or the blood vessels that supply nerves. This often happens after you’ve been in an awkward position, like sitting cross-legged, or it may be the sign of a trapped nerve.

What is the meaning of the idiom cool?

interjection, slang Used to express that something is acceptable or satisfactory. A: “I’ll give you a call in the morning.” B: “Cool.” A: “Do you want to have pizza for dinner tonight?” B: “Yeah, cool.”

What does it mean when someone says when pigs fly?

Definition of when pigs fly —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.

When should I be worried about tingling?

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, experience serious symptoms, such as the sudden onset of unexplained tingling; weakness or numbness on just one side of your body; sudden severe headache; sudden loss of vision or vision changes; changes in speech such as garbled or slurred speech; …

When should I be worried about pins and needles?

See a doctor if your pins and needles are severe or long-lasting. Occasional bouts of pins and needles usually aren’t a cause for concern. But, if you’ve tried home remedies and your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, you should see your doctor.

What is the meaning of idioma?

noun. idiom [noun] the expressions of a language in general.

What does blue in the face mean?

Exhausted from anger, strain, or other great effort. For example, You can argue until you’re blue in the face, but I refuse to go. This expression alludes to the bluish skin color resulting from lack of oxygen, which presumably might result from talking until one was breathless. See also under talk one’s arm off.

What is the definition of ‘on pins and needles’?

pins and needles(Noun) A tingling or prickling sensation, felt in a limb when a lack of circulation is relieved and in other situations.

What does on pins and needles mean?

Pins and needles, when not preceded by the word on, refers to a tingling feeling in one’s limbs. This feeling often occurs when blood flow is returning to the limb after temporarily not flowing there. This happens when a person sits or positions himself in such a way to cut off blood flow.

What causes pins and needles in left arm and hand?

In some cases, the feeling of pins and needles in your left arm can be caused by an underlying problem like trauma or injury, diabetes, brachial neuralgia , a heart condition, multiple sclerosis or nerve damage. In these cases, treatment might require more drastic measures like chemotherapy, surgery or medication.

What does wait on pins and needles mean?

On Pins and Needles. When you use the expression ‘On Pins and Needles’ you mean that someone is in a. state of anxious suspense . Example of use: “Todd has been on pins and needles all day, waiting for his wife to have the baby.”. The origin of the phrase ‘on pins and needles’ comes from the early 19th century.