Be on edge Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional State Used to express a negative feeling, usually not a positive excitement or anticipation. I've been on edge ever since I heard the storm warning. Pro Tip 2/3Trigger Warning Often follows after a specific event that causes worry or unease. She's been on edge since the argument with her best friend. Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Feeling Implies a temporary state, not a permanent trait of a person. Mark's usually calm, but he's been on edge waiting for the test results.