nail-biting

comparative more nail-biting · superlative most nail-biting · alternative nailbiting

1. idiomaticinformalThat causes nervous anticipation or suspense.

   He said recent nail-biting finals had renewed interest in the end-of-season contests, after a series of one-sided beltings earlier this decade.

   2009 August 24, Matt Johnston, “Race for the eight as AFL finals approach”, in Herald Sun

   2 more examples

   Yet again the phrase does not do justice to the nail-biting 750-mile journey through what is left of the ramparts put up by Genghis Khan, mountain ranges, arid plains, alien landscapes and alien people, stopping at little wooden stations identical to those the length and breadth of Russia but with tongue-twisting Chinese names like Manchouli, Pokotu and Tsitsihar.

   2004, Geoffrey Elliott, “On the Road Again”, in From Siberia with Love: A Story of Exile, Revolution and Cigarettes, Methuen Publishing, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 203

   A nail-biting final set appeared to be unfolding but it was Li who buckled under the pressure, giving up another break of serve with a double fault and a wayward backhand in game four, and Clijsters pumped her fist as she closed in on victory.

   2011 January 29, Piers Newbery, “Australian Open: Kim Clijsters beats Li Na in final”, in BBC