Don’t you know curiosity killed the cat?

Today’s English
August 5th, 2017

If you are very anxious and excited to know something such as result, judgement and what would happen in a particular situation, in English, it can be said that you are “on pins and needles" or “on tenterhooks.” Awaiting is a little painful, isn’t it? That’s why it’s said you are on pins and needles.

1. I did the exam well, still I’m on pins and needles awaiting the result.
2. We’re on tenterhooks to know the management’s decision on increment this year.

If a person says, “curiosity killed the cat", you should understand that it’s a warning to you not to ask so many questions about their private affairs.  Yes, why should we “stick our nose into” their personal life out of curiosity? 

1. Stop talking about my married life again and again.  Don’t you know, curiosity killed the cat?
2. How many times have I told you not to stick your nose into her personal life?

If you pay your full attention to something out of excitement and forget everything else, it’s certain that you “are on the edge of your seat.” If you are too anxious about something, your anxiety itself will make you very much nervous and worried.  Then, you are just “a bundle of nerves.”

1. It’s such a film that it’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to end.
2. Would you like to know his affair with her? I’m sure, it’ll bring you to the edge of your seat.
3. Whenever the board exam result comes, our students are just a bundle of nerves.

Chillax!
Meena: I’m on pins and needles, tell me whether you love him or not?

Praveena: Don’t you know curiosity killed the cat?

Meena: I’ll kill you now if you don’t open your mouth, you know, I’m your friend.

Praveena: it’s something personal.  Why do you poke your nose into it?

Meena: yes, I have to.  I’m a bundle of nerves now.

Praveena: tell me why.

Meena: it may put you on the edge of your seat to know. But it’s time to tell you. I too love him. I’m also on tenterhooks now.

Praveena:………….?!