Definition of "on tenterhooks"
on tenterhooks
prepositional phrase
(idiomatic) In a state of (great) apprehension or suspense; on pins and needles.
Quotations
Having ordered a light repast, to the consternation of the waiter, they awaited its arrival together with that of Mr. Bellby, in silent reaction after the hour and a half's suspense on the tenterhooks of publicity.
1920, John Galsworthy, “Dartie versus Dartie”, in In Chancery (The Forsyte Saga; 2), London: William Heinemann, part II, page 187
A 30-hour search for an escaped lioness that had residents on the southern fringes of Berlin shelter in their homes and the rest of the German capital on tenterhooks has found that what was thought to be an exotic feline predator was most likely a common wild pig.
2023 July 21, Philip Oltermann, “Escaped ‘lioness’ in Berlin was most likely a wild boar, mayor says”, in Katharine Viner, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, archived from the original on 2023-11-08