Anxious

Lesson 4

Nail biter

Title: Nail biter

Meaning: a situation like a close contest, which induces anxiety or tension

Example

Friday's nail-biter of a win over the Houston Texans was an excruciating contest

Like a cat on a hot tin roof

Title: Like a cat on a hot tin roof

Meaning: in a state of agitation

Example

The coach acted like a cat on a hot tin roof throughout the game

screw up

Title: screw up

Meaning: slang depicting that a mistake was made

Example

I really screwed up this time. My wife will never forgive me for forgetting her birthday

butterflies in stomach

Title: butterflies in stomach

Meaning: to feel very nervous and restless

Example

He had butterflies in his stomach as he walked out onto the stage for his dance performance

ants in pants

Title: ants in pants

Meaning: be extremely restless

Example

The young students just can't sit still; they must have ants in their pants

on the anxious seat

Title: on the anxious seat

Meaning: Feeling uneasy and nervous, usually while awaiting the outcome of something

Example

I know I'm going to be on the anxious seat until I get my test results back

bundle of nerves

Title: bundle of nerves

Meaning: anxious

Example

The robbery was a frightening experience. Since then, I have been a bundle of nerves

cool your jets

Title: cool your jets

Meaning: to calm down and stop being so anxious or elated

Example

Even though she wronged you, just cool your jets, and you will be fine