Be on edge
phrase
Feeling nervous, worried or uneasy.
Since the police started investigating, everyone in the office has been on edge.
Often appears as...
- feel on edge
- have been on edge
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
In a state of intense anticipation or anxiety.
The audience was on edge, waiting for the performance to begin.
Often appears as...
- keep someone on edge
- put on edge
Usage tips
Neutral
phrase
Feeling nervous, worried or uneasy.
Since the police started investigating, everyone in the office has been on edge.
Often appears as...
- feel on edge
- have been on edge
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
In a state of intense anticipation or anxiety.
The audience was on edge, waiting for the performance to begin.
Often appears as...
- keep someone on edge
- put on edge
Usage tips
Neutral
Definition 1 of 2
Pro 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.
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