Nail-biter

A nail-biter is a situation, event, or contest that is extremely exciting, suspenseful, and tense, often characterized by uncertainty about the outcome until the very last moment. It evokes feelings of anxiety, anticipation, and edge-of-your-seat excitement. This term implies a close competition or a risky endeavor where the ultimate result hangs precariously in the balance, creating a thrilling experience for observers. The term is often used to describe sporting events, political races, financial markets, or dramatic narratives where the tension is heightened and resolution is delayed until the final moment. It suggests a level of unpredictability that keeps participants and viewers intensely engaged and on the brink of heightened anticipation and anxiety.

Nail-biter meaning with examples

• The final game of the championship was a true nail-biter, going into overtime with the score tied. Every play felt crucial, and the fans were on the edge of their seats, their anxiety rising with each second that ticked by. The tension was so palpable you could cut it with a knife, making the eventual victory even sweeter. The opposing team's last attempt at a goal brought everyone to a hush and the crowd erupted at the buzzer!
• The stock market saw a nail-biter of a day, with prices fluctuating wildly throughout the session. Investors watched with bated breath as billions of dollars seemed to teeter on the brink. Every update brought new peaks and lows, and there was no clear signal or hint of the final outcome until the end. There was relief and consternation as the day came to a close.
• The election results turned into a nail-biter, with the votes so close that the outcome was uncertain for hours. The candidates and their supporters anxiously awaited the final count, hoping for a chance to be victorious. News outlets continuously provided updates and information that kept people glued to their TVs. The tension grew exponentially, and everyone was on the edge of their seats.
• The horror movie was a total nail-biter. The protagonists crept through the halls of an abandoned hospital. The music became increasingly loud and erratic, heightening suspense with every creak and shadow. Every scene kept viewers clutching their arm rests, unsure of what was coming next. Many were fearful of turning their gaze away from the screen in fear of the inevitable!