IdiomNature
Italian
Italiansulle spine
Meaning: In a state of anxious suspense or nervous tension, unable to relax.
Literally: On thorns
Example: “Aspettando i risultati era sulle spine.” — Waiting for the results, she was on tenterhooks.
English equivalent: On tenterhooks
Equivalents in other languages
English: on tenterhooks
Origin: Sitting on thorns, one shifts about constantly looking for a position that does not hurt. The Hoepli dictionary uses that picture for anxious waiting and restlessness: essere or stare sulle spine, and tenere qualcuno sulle spine for keeping someone in suspense. English says "on tenterhooks."
More Italian idioms
- a gambe levate With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
- pendaglio da forca A person who deserves to be hanged; a worthless scoundrel.
- nei panni di In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.
- menare il can per l'aia To avoid the main point by talking around the subject indirectly.
- con il piede sbagliato To start something badly or get off to a poor beginning.
- togliere il fiato To leave someone astonished or breathless with amazement.
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