white knuckles
idiom
Pronunciation: /ˈwaɪt ˈnʌkəlz/
Definition
A state of extreme tension, fear, or anxiety, typically shown by gripping something so tightly that the knuckles turn pale. It describes a situation or experience that is very frightening, stressful, or requires intense effort and endurance.
Examples
The pilot made a white-knuckles landing during the storm, but everyone was safe.
Waiting for the exam results was a white-knuckles experience for all the students.
We drove through the mountain pass with white knuckles, as the road was icy and narrow.
How to Use white knuckles
- white-knuckle ride (collocation)
- An exciting or frightening experience, especially one involving speed or danger. — "The roller coaster was a real white-knuckle ride."
- white-knuckle flight (collocation)
- A very turbulent or scary airplane journey. — "We had a white-knuckle flight due to unexpected severe turbulence."
- white-knuckle moment (collocation)
- A moment of intense fear or anxiety. — "The final seconds of the game were a white-knuckle moment for the fans."
Synonyms of white knuckles
Words with a similar meaning to white knuckles:
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