Signification
To be very nervous or anxious.
Contexte culturel
Classic authors like Dostoevsky used this phrase to describe the 'feverish' state of characters before a confession. You will often see this in Telegram channels during major news events or sports matches. It is often used by parents to describe their worry when children are out late. In Russian business, admitting you are 'на иголках' can sometimes show that you care deeply about the project's success.
Use with 'весь'
Adding 'весь' (all) makes it more emphatic: 'Я весь как на иголках!'
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its impact. Save it for real tension.
Signification
To be very nervous or anxious.
Use with 'весь'
Adding 'весь' (all) makes it more emphatic: 'Я весь как на иголках!'
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its impact. Save it for real tension.
Body Language
When Russians say this, they often mimic a restless movement with their hands to show the 'prickling' feeling.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
Мы весь вечер сидели как на _______.
The standard form of the idiom uses the diminutive 'иголках'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the correct usage:
The idiom describes psychological anxiety, not physical circumstances.
Match the situation to the feeling.
In which situation would you 'сидеть как на иголках'?
This situation involves high suspense and anxiety.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesМы весь вечер сидели как на _______.
The standard form of the idiom uses the diminutive 'иголках'.
Select the correct usage:
The idiom describes psychological anxiety, not physical circumstances.
In which situation would you 'сидеть как на иголках'?
This situation involves high suspense and anxiety.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it usually implies that the excitement is so strong it's almost painful or stressful.
Always 'иголках' in the idiom. 'Иглах' sounds too formal or literal.
It's rare. 99% of the time, we use 'сидеть' or just 'быть'.
Not at all! It is used daily in modern Russian speech and media.
The closest is 'to be on pins and needles.'
Yes, to describe a high-stakes situation, but not to describe your own lack of professionalism.
No, it is a standard idiom (literary and spoken).
Мы сидим как на иголках.
No, for physical pain you would just say 'мне больно' or 'колет'.
Yes, you can just say 'я на иголках'.
Expressions liées
места себе не находить
synonymTo be very restless with worry.
дрожать как осиновый лист
similarTo shake like an aspen leaf.
сгорать от нетерпения
similarTo burn with impatience.
быть не в своей тарелке
similarTo feel out of place.
