Master confusing words with ease
On tenderhooks vs. On tenterhooks
On tenderhooks
/ɒn ˈtɛndər hʊks/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/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:
- 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!
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