on edge

Idioms

Tense, nervous, irritable, as in We were all on edge as we waited for the surgeon's report. This expression transfers the edge of a cutting instrument to one's feelings. [Late 1800s] Also see on the edge; set one's teeth on edge.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It makes you on edge, she told me, not knowing if you can protect your kid, if you can feed her, all because of something outside your control.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

The war in Iran and the subsequent spike in oil prices have Wall Street on edge.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

The tension is keeping oil markets on edge, pushing Canadian energy stocks higher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“The market is certainly on edge as it relates to Iran,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

My nerves were on edge anytime the phone rang or the mail came.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023