English Expressions to Describe Feeling Nervous

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A big presentation, a job interview, or a major life event--these are common situations that cause us to feel nervous or anxious. There are various expressions in English to describe this state of mind, each used in certain contexts. Let's explore some common phrases that people use to express nervousness. 

1. To be a nervous wreck - This idiom means to be extremely anxious or worried, often to the point of being visibly upset or unable to function normally.

• Example: She was a nervous wreck before her driving test, alternating between reviewing the drivers' manual and pacing around the room.

2. To have butterflies in one's stomach - This phrase describes the fluttery feeling in the stomach that often accompanies nervousness or anxiety.

• Example: He had butterflies in his stomach before going on stage to perform.

3. To be on edge - Being on edge means feeling tense, anxious, or irritable, often because someone is anticipating that something bad may happen.

• Example: Everyone in the office was on edge as they waited for the results of the big project.

4. To have or get (the) jitters - Having the jitters or getting the jitters refers to feeling nervous, often in a way that makes one feel physically shaky.

• Example: She had the jitters before going on camera to give her speech.

5. To be a bundle of nerves/to suffer from nerves - These two expressions describe being very nervous, usually in a way that makes someone feel tense and restless. Take note that the word 'nerves' in this context refers to worry or anxiety.

• Example: He was a bundle of nerves waiting for the doctor to call with the test results.

6. To lose one's nerve - If someone loses their nerve, they panic and become too afraid to do something that they were about to do. 'Nerve' in this expression would mean courage or confidence = to lose one's courage. 

• Example:  He was going to ask her to the dance, but when he finally got near her, he lost his nerve.

7. To sweat bullets - This idiom means to be extremely nervous or anxious, often causing physical symptoms like sweating, especially having large beads of sweat on your face and skin.

• Example: He was sweating bullets while waiting to hear if he got the promotion.

8. To have one’s heart in one’s mouth - This phrase describes the sensation of extreme nervousness or fear, where it feels like your heart is pounding in your throat.

• Example: She had her heart in her mouth as she opened the acceptance letter from the university.

9. To be a 'Nervous Nellie' - A Nervous Nellie is someone who is excessively worried or anxious about things, often more than is necessary.

• "Example: Don’t be such a Nervous Nellie; everything will be fine.

10. To get cold feet - This expression is used when someone feels nervous and frightened, often just before doing something that he or she had planned to do. It is similar to the previous expression "to lose one's nerve."  

• Example: At first he was excited at the thought of skydiving, but when he was on the plane and looking down at how far the earth was, he got cold feet. 

How about the opposite?
Of course a discussion about nervousness wouldn't be complete without phrases to talk about the opposite which is staying calm and collected. Here are some expressions for that:

1. To calm or steady one's nerves - This means to make someone feel calmer or less nervous.

• Example: She took a few deep breaths to steady her nerves before taking her seat to face the interview panel. 

2. To keep or hold one's nerve/s - This phrase describes remaining calm and composed in a difficult situation.

• Example: Many people were surprised that he held his nerve despite answering challenging  questions from reporters. 

3. To get ahold of oneself - This expression emphasizes  getting control of ones' emotions after a big shock or after being upset.

• Example: He was so angry that he walked out, but then he took a deep breath to get ahold of himself.

Whether you are a nervous wreck or just have a few butterflies in your stomach, it would be to your advantage to try to calm down and get ahold of your emotions. Try out these phrases when describing the intensity and nature of your anxiety to others. Practicing these expressions will express your emotions more vividly and surely goes beyond just saying "I'm nervous."