On-Tenderhooks-On-Tenterhooks | Commonly Confused Words
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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:

Antonyms:

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:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • On tenterhooks is the correct expression, not on tenderhooks.
  • A tenterhook is a sharp, hooked nail used in the process of making cloth, not tender, which means gentle or soft.
  • Tenterhooks relate to the phrase's original meaning of being in suspense or anxious, not to anything tender.
  • Remember that tenter relates to the tightness and stretching of fabric, akin to being stretched while waiting.
  • Think of a tenter as a frame for cloth and hooks that keep it pulled tight, representing tension, unlike tender which is calm and soft.
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