Fear and anxiety idioms

1. Fear and Anxiety Idioms
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2. To be on tenterhooks
to 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.

3. 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.

4. To have nerves of steel
to 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.

5. To break out in a (cold) sweat
To 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.

6. To hold one’s breath
If 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.

7. One’s heart skips a beat
used 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.