The phrase "on tenterhooks" means "waiting nervously for something to happen." A tenterhook is literally a sharp hook that fastens cloth to a tenter, a frame on which cloth is stretched, like a tent, for even drying to prevent shrinkage.

What does the phrase on tenterhooks mean?

Tenterhooks were used in the process of making woollen cloth. ... The saying 'to be on tenterhooks' originated from this method of controlled drying, used to mean being in a state of uneasiness, anxiety, or suspense.

Is the expression tenterhooks or TENDERhooks?

First, let's get one thing straight: you are on TENTERhooks, not TENDERhooks. To be on tenterhooks is to be filled with painful or anxious anticipation or suspense, such as when you're waiting for the result of an important medical test.