Top 10 Idioms for Nervous That You Should Know!

Idioms are used to express ideas or feelings in a vivid, imaginative, or metaphorical manner. Idioms are used by speakers to add interest to their discourse and to make their points more remembered. The blog post includes student-friendly idioms. With the help of the appropriate examples below, readers may investigate the various idioms and their meanings.

Jump Out of One’s Skin

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

‘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

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

‘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.”

Also Read: Idioms for Beginners

Nervous Wreck

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

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.”

Also Read: Idioms for Teachers

Sweating Bullets

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

The idiom ‘nail-biting suspenses’ 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

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

‘Walking on eggshells’ idiom 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.”

To read more about idioms you can check our page at Leverage Edu.