Fear and Anxiety Idioms
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To be on tenterhooksto feel nervous and excited because you are waiting to find out something or for
something to happen
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Maria has been on tenterhooks since yesterday. She is
expecting a call from her potential
employer.
To be afraid of one's own shadow
easily frightened or very nervous
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The day there was an earthquake, my
daughter was afraid of her own shadow.
To have nerves of steelto be brave and calm in a dangerous or
difficult situation
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When the alarm went off, Jacob kept the audience calm in the conference
room. He really has nerves of steel.
To break out in a (cold) sweatTo be in a state of nervousness or fear,
especially one in which you are sweating
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Anneta is afraid of snakes. She would break out in a cold sweat if she saw one.
To hold one’s breathIf someone is holding their breath, they are
waiting anxiously or excitedly for something to happen or be announced.
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I held my breath when I saw the breaking news about tornado in my home town.
One’s heart skips a beatused to say that someone is very excited, surprised, or frightened
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Mary was returning from work late at night. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard heavy
steps behind her.
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