Basic Details
Word: Nail-biting
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Causing a lot of anxiety or nervousness, making you worry about what will happen next.
Synonyms: Tense, nerve-wracking, gripping
Antonyms: Relaxing, calm, easygoing
Idioms and Phrases
- Nail-biting suspense: A situation full of excitement and anxiety, where you're eagerly waiting to see what happens. Example: "The movie was full of nail-biting suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats."
- Nail-biting finish: A dramatic ending that causes anxious excitement. Example: "The nail-biting finish of the race kept everyone cheering until the last second."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The final minutes of the match were nail-biting, with both teams fighting hard for victory.
Example 2: I found the book so nail-biting that I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.
Example 3: While waiting for the exam results, the nail-biting tension made it hard for her to concentrate.
Fun Fact
The term "nail-biting" comes from the physical act of biting one's nails when anxious, which has been a common nervous habit for centuries and is often associated with worrying situations.
Famous Quote
"The film was a nail-biting experience from start to finish, leaving the audience breathless." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "nail-biting" mean?
a) Very exciting and suspenseful
b) Relaxing and easygoing
c) A type of nail polish
d) A painting technique
Answer: a) Very exciting and suspenseful
2. Which of these is a synonym of "nail-biting"?
a) Relaxing
b) Tense
c) Boring
d) Simple
Answer: b) Tense
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "nail-biting"?
a) Exciting
b) Nerve-wracking
c) Relaxing
d) Gripping
Answer: c) Relaxing
4. Which sentence uses "nail-biting" correctly?
a) The nail-biting performance made everyone laugh.
b) She enjoyed a nail-biting day at the beach.
c) The nail-biting ending of the story left me in suspense.
d) He had a nail-biting lunch with his friends.
Answer: c) The nail-biting ending of the story left me in suspense.
5. Which idiom relates to the idea of being anxious?
a) Nail-biting suspense
b) A walk in the park
c) Easy as pie
d) A piece of cake
Answer: a) Nail-biting suspense
