what does "nail-biting" mean?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering the meaning of “nail-biting”, can you explain it for me?

thank you in advance.

2

Nail-biting:
making you feel very excited or anxious because you do not know what is going to happen:
=> a nail-biting finish
=> It’s been a nail-biting couple of weeks waiting for my results.

However, what really confuses me is the different usage notes for this word in the OALD and the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English:

OALD:
nail-biting
adjective
[usually before noun] making you feel very excited or anxious because you do not know what is going to happen: a nail-biting finish ◆ It’s been a nail-biting couple of weeks waiting for my results.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English:
nail-biting
'nail-.biting
adj [only before noun]
extremely exciting because you do not know what is going to happen next
The match went all the way to a nail-biting finish.
some nail-biting moments near the end of the movie

=> So, should the word be used only before nouns or just usually before noun?
Thanks a lot
Nessie

3

Hi Nessie,

Aren’t your examples the same? Use as with any adjective.

Alan

4

thank Nessie, thank Alan.

I also find another example,

Birmingham lost 5-1 in the match again Aston Villa. Birmingham could still stay in the Premiership next season, but things are not looking good. The nail-biting continues.

5

Thanks for your example, Ann, and have you got any other query relating to it? :slight_smile:

Hi Alan, I just want to make it clear whether the adjective is used ONLY before noun or USUALLY before noun.
Many thanks
Nessie

6

thank Nessie, however I have no query relating to it, because I think that its usages as a adjective.
best,
Ann^^

7

Hi Nessie,

I’m still confused about your quote:

]

(1) I can’t see it in my copy of OALD
(2) Adjectives invariably go before the noun, don’t they?

Alan

8

Thanks a lot, Alan

QUOTE:
(1) I can’t see it in my copy of OALD
=> I don’t know, Alan, this OALD of mine is an electronic version (I downloaded it on lingoes.net), so I don’t know if it is the exact version of the OALD :slight_smile:

QUOTE:
(2) Adjectives invariably go before the noun, don’t they?
=> what about “alike”? I think some adjectives can’t go before noun…

9

Alan, please let me know your idea…

P.S: by the way, is it ok if I write the above sentence this way: “please give me your idea”? Is the use of “give” here natural or nor?
Many thanks in advance :slight_smile:

10

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11

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