An english saying. If someone is on tenterhooks, they are very nervous/excited about something that they are waiting for, and possibly dreading.
"Gee whiz, I was on tenterhooks beuase she hadn't turned up to our 5th year anniversary date yet. Turns out, she dumped me in a voicemail."
by reavreav August 19, 2008
Get the Tenterhooks mug.(or tenterhooks) meaning to wait with feelings of nervousness or anxiety in anticipation for something to happen in the near future.
by mailburner January 13, 2010
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To keep on edge, anxious. From the Blur song 'Tender' which is featured on the album 13. A 'Tender-hook' refers to the fact that the 'hook' of the song is merely a build-up to next song on the album 'Bugman', which is a far more cathartic expression of distorted electric guitars. It is also an updated version of the archaic phrase "tenterhooks" used by pedant pricks who simply have no fun when it comes to language. I mean, just who do you think you are? An 18th century dressmaker? Get over yourself, grandad.
Jimmy loved Blur so was on tenderhooks at the new Blur song coming out. Unfortunately, they disbanded so Jimmy killed himself.
by Sir Rupert Hume de Chardin III December 3, 2018
Get the Tenderhooks mug.The state of anticipation elicited by online dating, In particular the period leading to a first face to face.
by CaptFishyFingers July 24, 2019
Get the Tenterhooked mug.Spelled this way intentionally, a tenderhook is smooching with your willing partner, sliding your hand down their drawers and popping a curled digit up their Aristotle.
"I thought Gary was just gonna grab my arse Trace, but he slid his hand down the back of me' drawers and gave me a tenderhook!"
by Mafer1ck December 3, 2021
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