On Pins and Needles

Recently my family was on pins and needles as my grandmother was taken to the hospital.  It looked like she had a stroke and our family was very concerned.  However, the doctors determined that it was only a TIA (transient ischemic attack).  We are thankful that she is fine now.

The term on pins and needles has two meanings.  Both means describe the feeling of being poked with pins and needles.  On pins and needles can describe the feeling you get in your muscle when you have been resting for a long time.  We also say that ‘your [foot] has fallen asleep’ to describe this feeling.

In the case of my grandmother, on pins and needles means feeling anxious or nervous while waiting for something.  If you are waiting for test results and you are nervous, you might say, “I’m on pins and needles waiting for the results.”

Unfortunately, there isn’t a very good story behind this phrase.  It just describes the uncomfortable feeling.

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