A Bundle Of Nerves - Definition And Examples

What Does “A Bundle of Nerves” Mean?

Definition

If you are a bundle of nerves, you feel extremely anxious, tense, or on edge. This idiom is often used to describe someone who is easily agitated or overwhelmed by stress.

A variation of this idiom is a bag of nerves, which carries the same meaning.

Origin of a Bundle of Nerves

A Bundle of Nerves Meaning, Origin, and Examples

The phrase “a bundle of nerves” comes from the literal anatomical term referring to the cordlike structures in the body made up of neurons. These nerve bundles transmit electrical impulses between the brain and other parts of the body, facilitating sensory and motor functions.

The word nerve itself comes from Old French nerf and Medieval Latin nervus, meaning “sinew, tendon, cord, or bowstring.” Over time, the term nervous evolved to describe people who are easily excited, worried, or distressed, leading to the figurative expression we use today.

The idiom draws on the close association between the body’s nervous system and emotional states, highlighting the physical manifestations of anxiety and stress.

Similar Synonyms and Phrases

Bag of nerves — I turned into a bag of nerves while waiting for my exam results.
Ball of nerves — He felt like a ball of nerves before proposing to his girlfriend.
Nervous wreck — After the stressful week at work, he became a complete nervous wreck.
Nervous Nelly — My sister is such a nervous Nelly whenever she has to drive in heavy traffic.
Worrywart — Jake’s a worrywart who double-checks everything, even after locking the door three times.
Bundle of energy (though this leans more toward hyperactivity) — The toddler was a bundle of energy, bouncing around the house nonstop.
On edge — She was on edge all day, waiting for the results of her medical test.

These phrases all convey a heightened state of emotional distress, though some, like a bundle of energy, might imply a more excitable or restless state rather than purely anxiety.

Example Sentences

She was a bundle of nerves before her big audition.
I turned into a bag of nerves while waiting for my exam results.
He felt like a ball of nerves before proposing to his girlfriend.
After the stressful week at work, he became a complete nervous wreck.
The new teacher was a bundle of nerves on her first day in class.
My mom is a bag of nerves whenever we travel by plane.

Fun Fact

Interestingly, the phrase sensitive bundle of nerves can also refer to specific areas in the body rich in nerve endings, which are highly responsive to stimuli. Though the anatomical meaning is different, it highlights the powerful link between our physical sensations and emotional responses.

This idiom is in the health category.

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