nerves are frayed

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   In a state of tension or irritation, especially after a long or difficult situation.

   Grammar: Used as a clause or after 'be': My nerves are frayed. It can also describe a group: Tempers are short and nerves are frayed.

   Patterns

   • someone's nerves are frayed
   • nerves are frayed after something
   • frayed nerves

   After three hours of delays at the airport, everyone's nerves were frayed.

   By the end of the meeting, her nerves were frayed and she just wanted to go home.

   The team had frayed nerves after losing the championship in the final seconds.

Common combinations

nerves are frayed

After the argument, his nerves were frayed for the rest of the day.

frayed nerves

The constant noise left her with frayed nerves.

nerves are frayed from

Their nerves were frayed from weeks of uncertainty.

tempers are frayed

When tempers are frayed, it's best to take a break.

Synonyms and how they differ

on edge

Describes a person feeling tense and easily upset; 'nerves are frayed' focuses on the nerves themselves being worn down.

stressed

A more general word for feeling pressure; 'nerves are frayed' suggests irritation and exhaustion from a specific ordeal.

jittery

Means nervous and unable to relax, often physically; 'nerves are frayed' is more about emotional strain.

Opposites

Word family

fray verb

To become worn or ragged, or (of nerves/tempers) to become strained.

frayed adjective

Worn at the edges; also used of nerves or tempers that are strained.

Commonly confused: nerves are frayed or nervous?

Practice

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