WHITE KNUCKLE Meaning and
Definition
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White knuckle is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, tension or fear experienced during a particular situation or activity. In this context, it refers to a person gripping a handle or object so tightly that their knuckles become noticeably pale or white due to the intense pressure exerted by their hand. The term often emphasizes the physical manifestation of mental or emotional distress.
The phrase is commonly associated with high-stress situations that evoke a sense of danger, such as roller coaster rides, thrilling amusement park attractions, extreme sports, or even turbulent flights. It signifies the individual's intense apprehension or emotional strain, often resulting from the fear of anticipated harm or the uncertainty of the outcome. The person's white knuckles symbolize the grip, tension, and firmness they exert on something to maintain control or alleviate their fear.
Moreover, the expression can also be used figuratively to describe a non-physical but mentally challenging experience that induces similar levels of anxiety or emotional discomfort. For instance, public speaking, taking a crucial exam, or going through a nerve-wracking job interview can all be described as white knuckle situations, as they elicit comparable levels of tension and apprehension.
Overall, white knuckle encapsulates the intense emotional or mental distress experienced in stressful or dangerous circumstances, with its name derived from the physical manifestation of gripping something so tightly that the knuckles turn pale or white.
Common Misspellings for WHITE KNUCKLE
- wite-knuckle
- whit-knuckle
- white-knukle
- white-knuckl
- witeknuckle
- whit knucklle
- whit knukle
Etymology of WHITE KNUCKLE
The term "white knuckle" originated in aviation and was first used to describe the action of gripping the aircraft's controls tightly during a challenging or intense flying situation. It derives from the physical reaction of the knuckles turning white due to the pressure exerted. Over time, the term expanded beyond aviation and became a metaphorical expression to describe any situation or experience that is gripping, intense, or nerve-wracking, where one's knuckles might metaphorically turn white from gripping something tightly.
Idioms with the word WHITE KNUCKLE
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white knuckle something
The idiom "white knuckle something" is used to describe a situation or experience that is extremely intense, nerve-wracking, or terrifying, typically causing a person to tightly grip or clench their fists so that their knuckles turn white. It implies a sense of gripping tightly or holding on tightly due to fear, excitement, or anxiety in a challenging situation.
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white knuckle sth
The idiom "white knuckle something" refers to a situation that is extremely tense, frightening, or anxiety-inducing. It usually implies gripping something tightly, such as the steering wheel of a car, so much so that the knuckles turn white due to the intensity of the experience. It often describes a highly suspenseful or perilous situation that provokes fear or nervousness.
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