English

Alternative forms

• white knuckle

Adjective

white-knuckle ‎(not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Causing fear, excitement, apprehension, suspense, or nervousness.
   • 2010 July 16, Colleen Long and Harry R. Weber, "BP capped well holding nearly a day into new fix", Associated Press wire:

     BP said its capped-off well appeared to be holding steady Friday morning, almost midway into a white-knuckle waiting period in which engineers watched the pressure gauges for signs of a leak.

   • 2009 November 27, “Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Child has 'best guitar riff'”, in BBC:

     "No surprise given both Bellamy and White share - or have inherited - Hendrix's unique blend of experimental instincts and white-knuckle showmanship," said Mr Goldsmith.

Derived terms

• white-knuckle ride