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手に汗握る (てにあせにぎる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
be on the edge of one's seat ; be in breathless suspense
idiomatic expression
Describes a state of intense excitement, tension, or suspense, often while watching a thrilling event or competition. Literally 'sweat forms in one's hands and one grips'.
手て
に
汗あせ
握にぎ
る
展てん
開かい
に
、
観かん
客きゃく
は
息いき
を
のん
だ
。
The audience held their breath at the breathlessly suspenseful development.
Similar words ハラハラする ハラハラする focuses on the feeling of anxiety or nervousness while watching something unfold, whereas 手に汗握る emphasizes the physical tension and gripping excitement.
ドキドキする ドキドキする describes a pounding heart from excitement or nervousness, often in romantic or personal situations, while 手に汗握る is more about suspenseful, thrilling external events.
Etymology An idiomatic phrase composed of 手 (hand), に (particle), 汗 (sweat), and 握る (to grip). The literal image is of gripping something with sweaty hands due to tension or excitement.
