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 tenterhooks is the correct phrase and refers to a state of unease or suspense, originally from a process of drying cloth.
• Tenderhooks is a common misspelling and mishearing of tenterhooks and does not have a meaning in standard English.
• To remember: tenter relates to tension, both suggesting being stretched or in suspense.
• Imagine a tenter frame stretching out fabric tight with hooks, representing the high tension or anxiety you could feel.
• In a sentence: Waiting for her final grades made her feel like she was on tenterhooks—never tenderhooks!