Strain at the leash
verb phrase
Eagerly wanting to do something, not able to be patient.
The team was straining at the leash to start the project
Often appears as...
- player strain at the leash
- long strain at the leash
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
For an animal, to pull hard against its leash because it wants to move at a faster pace or toward a specific direction.
My dog was straining at the leash, ready to chase the squirrel
Often appears as...
- dog strain at the leash
- racehorse strain at the leash
verb phrase
To work very hard to control or repress something.
She was straining at the leash to keep her anger in check
Often appears as...
- emotions strain at the leash
- anger strain at the leash
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Eagerly wanting to do something, not able to be patient.
The team was straining at the leash to start the project
Often appears as...
- player strain at the leash
- long strain at the leash
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
For an animal, to pull hard against its leash because it wants to move at a faster pace or toward a specific direction.
My dog was straining at the leash, ready to chase the squirrel
Often appears as...
- dog strain at the leash
- racehorse strain at the leash
verb phrase
To work very hard to control or repress something.
She was straining at the leash to keep her anger in check
Often appears as...
- emotions strain at the leash
- anger strain at the leash
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
This phrase implies enthusiasm and keenness to undertake an activity or pursue a goal.
The interns were straining at the leash to apply their new skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and does not always involve a literal leash or physical restraint.
The investors were straining at the leash for the product launch.
Pro Tip 3/3Impatience Nuance
It can suggest a degree of impatience or restlessness for an event or action to take place.
The players were straining at the leash for the game to begin.
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
This phrase implies enthusiasm and keenness to undertake an activity or pursue a goal.
The interns were straining at the leash to apply their new skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and does not always involve a literal leash or physical restraint.
The investors were straining at the leash for the product launch.
Pro Tip 3/3Impatience Nuance
It can suggest a degree of impatience or restlessness for an event or action to take place.
The players were straining at the leash for the game to begin.
Pro Tip 1/3Eager Anticipation
This phrase implies enthusiasm and keenness to undertake an activity or pursue a goal.
The interns were straining at the leash to apply their new skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically and does not always involve a literal leash or physical restraint.
The investors were straining at the leash for the product launch.
Pro Tip 3/3Impatience Nuance
It can suggest a degree of impatience or restlessness for an event or action to take place.
The players were straining at the leash for the game to begin.
Never forget "Strain at the leash"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension