Sitting on Thorns
Have you ever felt so excited or anxious while waiting for something that you couldn't quite get comfortable in your seat? It feels as if something is bothering you right where you are sitting. In the Turkish language, we use a colorful expression to describe this feeling: Sitting on thorns
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What Does This Idiom Mean?
"Sitting on thorns" does not mean that a person is literally sitting on sharp thorns. Instead, this expression is used to describe feeling restless, uneasy, or on edge while being in a certain place. In Turkish, such expressions are called "formulaic words" (kalıp sözler), and they help us describe our feelings in a more vivid way.
This idiom is categorized as an "idiomized compound emotional verb". It is generally associated with the feeling of "distress" or restlessness. Even if your body is physically present in a room, your mind might be so busy with worry that you feel as if you are sitting "on thorns."
When Do We Use It?
We often use this idiom when we are waiting for important news, feeling shy in an unfamiliar environment, or when we are unsure about the outcome of a situation. For example, you might be sitting quietly in class while waiting for your teacher to announce exam results; however, the excitement and impatience you feel make you restless, as if your chair were covered in thorns.
