on edge

Meaning

To be 'on edge' means to feel tense, nervous, or irritable. It is often used when someone is anxious about an upcoming event or has been under a lot of stress lately. The tone is casual and empathetic, describing a temporary state of mind.

Examples

• Sorry I snapped at you earlier; I've just been a bit on edge waiting for my exam results.

  Sorry I snapped at you earlier; I've just been a bit on edge waiting for my exam results.

• Everyone in the office has been on edge since the rumors of layoffs started.

  Everyone in the office has been on edge since the rumors of layoffs started.

• She seemed on edge during the meeting, constantly checking her phone.

  She seemed on edge during the meeting, constantly checking her phone.

• Drink some chamomile tea if you're feeling on edge before bed.

  Drink some chamomile tea if you're feeling on edge before bed.

• I'm always on edge when I have to drive in heavy rain.

  I'm always on edge when I have to drive in heavy rain.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am in edge today because of the deadline.

  ✓ I am on edge today because of the deadline.

  The correct preposition is always 'on', not 'in' or 'at'.

• ✗ He is feeling very edgy about the flight.

  ✓ He is feeling very on edge about the flight.

  While 'edgy' exists, it often means avant-garde or trendy in modern slang, whereas 'on edge' specifically means nervous or tense.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After drinking three cups of coffee, I felt incredibly ___.

  💡 Feeling tense or jittery.

  Show answer

  on edge

• Don't bring up the budget today; the boss is a bit ___.

  💡 Nervous, irritable, or tense.

  Show answer

  on edge