I used the phrase “waiting on tenterhooks” and then thought “what the hell is a tenterhook”. (opens in new tab)

official-linguistics-post: headspace-hotel: alexanderwales: I used the phrase “waiting on tenterhooks” and then thought “what the hell is a tenterhook”. It’s these things! So when you’re waiting on tenterhooks, you’re stretched tight like a piece of cloth. Very evocative, now that I know what it means. like 40% of english idioms are just Textiles Again official linguistics post