nail-biter
7
5.2
- noun
- /ˈneɪlˌbaɪtər/
- Informal
:
suspenso
- With only seconds left on the clock, the basketball game became a nail-biter as both teams fought for the lead.
- a real nail-biter
- won a nail-biter
And I think it could very well be a real nail biter on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
- And I think it could very well be a real nail biter on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
- The expectation is that it will, but it's still a nail biter because there is a chance that Democrats maintain control.
Examples
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Despite the final score, I think last night qualifies as a nail biter.
Blog text (20) -
We got a real nail-biter going here.
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What a nail-biter this one is turning into.
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Well, folks, this is a real nail-biter.
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We got a real nail-biter here at Mile High Stadium.
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Every time we come here it's a nail biter in some way, shape, or form.
Blog text (18) -
Anderson, this night is turning out to be a real nail-biter.
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Another fourth-quarter nail-biter here for Wake Forest.
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First game I haven't been able to watch all year, and the Cats finally win a nail-biter.
Blog text (32) -
Colgate lost an overtime nail biter at Quinnipiac before being shut out by Princeton in a 4-0 decision.
Blog text (11)
Synonyms
An experience that causes strong fear or excitement
How Suspenseful
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Nail-biter comes from the small habit of biting your nails when you are nervous, joining nail and bite to make a strong image of worry. So a nail-biter is an event that keeps people 'nervous' and waiting for the result.