If you are on edge, you are nervous, tense and unable to relax, usually while waiting for something: I was on edge before the interview. The feeling can also last a long time: She's been on edge since she lost her job.
When would you say on edge?
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be/feel on edge; put/keep somebody on edge; on the edge of + place/thing (literal meaning)
- I've been on edge all morning because the bank still hasn't confirmed my transfer.
- The constant noise from the building site put everyone in the office on edge.
- She always feels a bit on edge before long flights.
What changed
First versionEveryone was on the edge while we waited for the exam results.
RevisionEveryone was on edge while we waited for the exam results.
With the, the phrase describes a position at the very border of something and needs to say what: on the edge of the roof. For nerves and tension, English uses on edge with no article, so the was removed.
On the edge of your seat is also about tension, but the pleasant kind: people say it about a film or match that is too exciting to stop watching: The final kept me on the edge of my seat. On edge is unpleasant anxiety, when you just want it all to be over.
Your turn
The team leader is ___ today because the client may cancel the contract.
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on edge — The team leader is nervous because the client may cancel the contract, so he is on edge. On the edge means “at the border of something” and needs to say of what: on the edge of the table.
Think of a time you were nervous while waiting for important news. Write what you were waiting for and how long the wait lasted, using on edge.
I was on edge for three days while I waited for my medical test results.
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