# white knuckles

**Pronunciation:** /ˈwaɪt ˈnʌkəlz/ · WITE NUK-uhlz

**Part of speech:** idiom

## Meaning

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.

## Synonyms

- tense — Describes a general state of nervousness or strain.
- anxious — Feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about something uncertain.
- stressful — Causing mental or emotional strain or tension.
- nerve-wracking — Extremely trying on the nerves; causing great stress or anxiety.

## Common patterns

- white-knuckle ride — An exciting or frightening experience, especially one involving speed or danger. — The roller coaster was a real white-knuckle ride.
- white-knuckle flight — A very turbulent or scary airplane journey. — We had a white-knuckle flight due to unexpected severe turbulence.
- white-knuckle moment — A moment of intense fear or anxiety. — The final seconds of the game were a white-knuckle moment for the fans.

## Collocations

- white-knuckle experience — The entire negotiation process was a white-knuckle experience for the team.
- white-knuckle grip — He had a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel as the car skidded.

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