On tenderhooks vs. On tenterhooks

On tenderhooks

/ɒn ˈtɛndər hʊks/

Being in a state of suspense or anxiety, waiting to see what will happen next.

Examples:

She was on tenderhooks waiting for the exam results.With the storm approaching, we were on tenderhooks.He sat on tenderhooks during the crucial interview.

Synonyms:

anxiousnervousuneasy

Antonyms:

relaxedcalm

On tenterhooks

/ɒn ˈtɛntərhʊks/

Being in a state of suspense, anxiety, or nervous anticipation.

Examples:

The villagers waited on tenterhooks for the election results.She was on tenterhooks all week, waiting for the job offer.On tenterhooks, they listened for news of the missing hikers.

Synonyms:

anxiousnervousagitatedtenseapprehensive

Antonyms:

calmrelaxedunconcerned

Ways to tell them apart:

• On tenderhooks is an incorrect spelling of the phrase on tenterhooks.
• Remember that tenterhooks refers to a framework used for drying cloth, thus relating to a state of tension.
• When feeling anxious or in suspense, think of being on tenterhooks, as if hanging on a frame.
• The term tenderhooks might trick you with the idea of softness or tenderness, which does not relate to its meaning of suspense.
• Visualize tenterhooks as a tool of tension to associate it with being in a state of suspense.