on tenterhooks meaning in Hindi

on tenterhooks in SSC previous-year questions

1. SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025 Idioms & Phrases

   Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
   "On tenterhooks."

   AExtremely boredBIn a state of suspense or anxietyCCompletely relaxedDUnaware of what's happening
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: B) In a state of suspense or anxiety

   The idiom 'On tenterhooks' means in a state of nervous suspense or anxious anticipation.
   Option 2 (In a state of suspense or anxiety) is correct as it accurately conveys the meaning of the idiom.
   Option 1 (Extremely bored) is wrong because it is unrelated to suspense or anxiety.
   Option 3 (Completely relaxed) is wrong as it is the opposite of being on tenterhooks.
   Option 4 (Unaware of what's happening) is wrong because awareness is not the focus of this idiom.

2. SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases

   Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
   On tenterhooks

   AIn a state of painful suspenseBPhysically restrainedCEmotionally numbDConfused by contradictions
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: A) In a state of painful suspense

   'On tenterhooks' means being in a state of anxious or painful suspense while waiting for something.
   Hence option 1 is correct.
   The other options do not match the meaning of the idiom.

3. SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) Idioms & Phrases

   What does the idiom/phrase 'be on tenterhooks' mean?

   ATo be in a state of anxious suspenseBTo be physically exhaustedCTo be unwilling to cooperateDTo be full of confidence
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: A) To be in a state of anxious suspense

   Meaning: be on tenterhooks = to be anxious and restless while waiting for something *(बेचैनी से इंतज़ार करना, अधर में लटके रहना)*.
   *The students were on tenterhooks until the results were declared.*
   
   Origin.
   A tenter was a wooden frame on which newly woven cloth was stretched to dry.
   The cloth was held tight by hooks — the tenterhooks.
   A person "on tenterhooks" is stretched tight with tension, like that cloth.
   
   Why the others are wrong.
   #B To be physically exhausted = to be worn out *(थककर चूर होना)* — idiom: *dead on one's feet* / *worn to a frazzle*.
   #B To be unwilling to cooperate *(सहयोग न करना)* — idiom: *to dig in one's heels*.
   #B To be full of confidence *(आत्मविश्वास से भरा होना)* —

4. SSC CGL 2020 T-2 Idioms & Phrases

   Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
   On tenterhooks

   AAlert and enthusiasticBAnxious and tenseCHappy and joyousDNeutral and undecided
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: B) Anxious and tense

   ✅ Correct Answer: Option B (Anxious and tense)
   Type: Idiom
   "On tenterhooks" = in a state of anxious suspense (बेचैन/तनाव में).
   Why the others are wrong
   • alert / happy / neutral – not the meaning.

Examples

• “We were on tenterhooks waiting for the exam results.”

on tenterhooks – questions

What is the meaning of on tenterhooks in Hindi?

on tenterhooks means “बेचैन, उत्सुकता से प्रतीक्षा में” in Hindi. In English: In a state of anxious suspense or anticipation.

What are the synonyms of on tenterhooks?

Synonyms of on tenterhooks: anxious, on edge, in suspense.

Has on tenterhooks been asked in SSC exams?

Yes – on tenterhooks has been asked 5 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level), SSC Selection Post Ph-13 2025, SSC CGL 2025 T-1, SSC CGL 2020 T-2, SSC CHSL 2020 T-1.

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