be on pins and needles
to be very nervous and unable to relax, especially because you are waiting for something important SYN be on tenterhooks

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

on pins and needles
worried or excited about something.
I was on pins and needles until she called to say she had arrived in Istanbul.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on pins and needles
to be excited/nervous
Her daughter has been on pins and needles all day waiting for the contest to begin.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on pins and needles
adj. phr., informal Worried; nervous.
Jane's mother was on pins and needles because Jane was very late getting home from school.
Many famous actors are on pins and needles before the curtain opens for a play.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲