If you are on tenterhooks, you are very nervous and excited because you are wondering what is going to happen in a particular situation. He was still on tenterhooks waiting for his directors' decision about the job. be on tenterhooks to feel nervous and excited because you are waiting to find out something or for something to happen (tenterhook (15-20 centuries), from tenter (13-20 centuries) (from tentura, from tendere; TEND) + hook)