pins and needles

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He added that he was “on pins and needles, like everybody else.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

After sitting for a long time, you may find walking difficult or feel pins and needles in your legs.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

“We waited on pins and needles for 12 days,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2024

Scientists, engineers and the flight team were “waiting on pins and needles to hear back from Voyager 2, to see if the command was successful,” Dr. Spilker said.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2023

I flick it back and forth until it moves from numb to pins and needles, then I peek through the blinds to see if Mom is here.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko