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Idioms are used to express ideas or feelings in a vivid, imaginative, or metaphorical manner. Speakers use phrases and idioms to add interest to their language and make the conversation more expressive. These appropriate idioms also make their points more remembered for daily conversation. The blog post includes student-friendly idioms on ‘Nervous’, along with their meaning and examples given with them.
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Idioms for Nervous
Nervousness is a universal human experience. Whether facing a big presentation, an important interview, or a first date, we all encounter moments when our anxiety levels rise. While the word “nervous” effectively conveys this feeling, idioms offer a more diverse and expressive way to describe this feeling. In this section, we will delve into a collection of idioms that capture the feeling of nervousness, offering a deeper understanding of this common human emotion.
Jump Out of One’s Skin
Meaning: To be extremely startled or nervous can be termed as a ‘jump out of one’s skin’.
Example: “When the fire alarm suddenly went off, I jumped out of my skin.”
Bite One’s Nails
Meaning: ‘Bite one’s nails’ idiom can be used to express being nervous or anxious about something.
Example: “He always bites his nails before a big exam.”
Also Read: 150 Common: Difficult Idioms with Example
Have Butterflies in One’s Stomach
Meaning: To feel nervous or anxious, usually before a significant event, can be expressed as ‘having butterflies in one’s stomach’ idiom.
Example: “Before going on stage, she had butterflies in her stomach.”
On Pins and Needles
Meaning: ‘On pins and needles’ can be described as a state of anticipation or nervousness, often due to awaiting an important outcome.
Example: “I’ve been on pins and needles waiting for the interview results.”
Nervous Wreck
Meaning: The idiom ‘nervous wreck’ can be used for someone who is extremely anxious or stressed.
Example: “After the car accident, he became a nervous wreck.”
Shake Like a Leaf
Meaning: To tremble uncontrollably due to nervousness or fear can be described or used in a situation such as a ‘shake like a leaf’ idiom.
Example: “She was shaking like a leaf when she had to give a speech.”
Sweating Bullets
Meaning: The idiom ‘sweating bullets’ means to be extremely nervous or anxious, often accompanied by excessive sweating.
Example: “During the job interview, I was sweating bullets.”
Nail-Biting Suspense
Meaning: The idiom ‘nail-biting suspense’ can be used in a situation which is filled with tension and uncertainty.
Example: “The final minutes of the game were a nail-biting suspense as both teams were tied.”
Also Read: Idioms for Beginners
Twitchy as a Cat
Meaning: The idiom ‘twitchy as a cat’ means nervous or jumpy, similar to a cat’s quick and reactive movements.
Example: “He’s twitchy as a cat whenever he’s in a crowded place.”
Walking on Eggshells
Meaning: ‘Walking on eggshells’ idiom that can be described as being very cautious in what you say or do, due to a tense or delicate situation.
Example: “After their argument, they were both walking on eggshells around each other.”
FAQs
There are a few idioms that capture different aspects of a nervous expression:
1. Butterflies in your stomach
2. All choked up
3. At a loss for words.
Here are a few fancy words for “nervous” depending on the specific nuance you want to convey:
1. Apprehensive
2. Trepidatious
3. Uneasy
There are several idioms to express fear, depending on the intensity and nature of the fear:
1. Scared stiff
2. White as a ghost
3. Scaredy-cat
“To have butterflies in one’s stomach” is a classic idiom that describes the fluttering feeling of nervousness, often experienced before a significant event.
“To have cold feet” implies hesitation or fear, often due to apprehension or nervousness about a particular situation.
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We hope this blog has provided all the necessary information on idioms for ‘nervous’ that you should know!! To advance your grammar knowledge and read more informative blogs, check out our Learn English page and don’t forget to follow Leverage Edu.
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