Impatience is a common feeling that everyone experiences at some point. It’s the restless urge to move things along, often accompanied by frustration. Learning expressions related to impatience can help you better express these feelings in English. Here are 20 expressions to help you articulate your impatience more effectively.
1. On Pins and Needles
Meaning: Very anxious
Example: I’m on pins and needles waiting for my results.
2. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: Endure impatience
Example: You need to bite the bullet and wait.
3. Climb the Walls
Meaning: Extremely restless
Example: I’m climbing the walls waiting for the news.
4. Fidget with Something
Meaning: Nervously touch
Example: He fidgeted with his keys while waiting.
5. Chomp at the Bit
Meaning: Eager and impatient
Example: She’s chomping at the bit to start.
6. Get Antsy
Meaning: Become restless
Example: The kids are getting antsy during the wait.
7. Twiddle Your Thumbs
Meaning: Idle with impatience
Example: I’m just twiddling my thumbs here.
8. Jump the Gun
Meaning: Act too soon
Example: Don’t jump the gun on the project.
9. Lose Patience
Meaning: Become frustrated
Example: I lost patience with the slow service.
10. Itching to Do Something
Meaning: Very eager
Example: I’m itching to get started.
11. Be at One’s Wit’s End
Meaning: Extremely frustrated
Example: I’m at my wit’s end with this delay.
12. Drum Your Fingers
Meaning: Tap fingers impatiently
Example: He drummed his fingers on the table.
13. Gnash Your Teeth
Meaning: Show frustration
Example: She gnashed her teeth waiting for a response.
14. Hot Under the Collar
Meaning: Very irritated
Example: He got hot under the collar waiting in line.
15. Pace Back and Forth
Meaning: Walk impatiently
Example: He paced back and forth while waiting.
16. Kick Your Heels
Meaning: Wait impatiently
Example: I’m just kicking my heels here.
17. Rub Your Hands
Meaning: Nervous anticipation
Example: He rubbed his hands waiting for news.
18. Count the Minutes
Meaning: Watch time pass slowly
Example: I’m counting the minutes until it ends.
19. Tap Your Foot
Meaning: Show impatience
Example: She tapped her foot waiting for him.
20. Huff and Puff
Meaning: Express annoyance
Example: He huffed and puffed at the delay.
