be on pins and needles —(coll.) be in the state of agitated expectancy:
- We had been on pins and needles all day long until we received her telegram.
Note:
a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be on one’s pins—(coll.) be on one’s feet; be in good health:
- When I came home after a number of years, I was glad that mother was still on her pins.
b) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase be on the needle—(sl.) be addicted to injectable drugs:
- My brother’s on the needle, and I want to help him.
have pins and needles—have a pricking tingling sensation in a limb:
- I have had pins and needles in my left hand for about two weeks now.