keyed up
Tense with anticipation
Keyed up describes a state of nervous excitement or tense anticipation, often before an important event.
Someone who is keyed up feels on edge, unable to relax, with their emotions or energy wound tight.
I was so keyed up before the interview that I couldn't eat breakfast.
The expression suggests being primed and ready for action, like an instrument tuned to high tension.
Uneasy and apprehensive
- on edgeTense and anxious
- jitteryAnxiously restless
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
edgy · restless · antsy · agitated · wound up · high-strung · twitchy · jumpy
Overjoyed beyond measure
- eagerIntensely wanting something
- pumpedExcitedly eager, energized
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- exhilaratedIntensely happy and energized
psyched · amped · hyped · stoked · buzzing · fired up · raring · champing at the bit
nervous
Uneasy and apprehensive
- on edgeTense and anxious
- jitteryAnxiously restless
- apprehensiveFearful of future events
uneasy · edgy · restless · antsy · agitated · wound up · high-strung · twitchy · jumpy · fidgety
thrilled
Overjoyed beyond measure
- eagerIntensely wanting something
- pumpedExcitedly eager, energized
- anticipationState of awaiting something
exhilarated · psyched · amped · hyped · stoked · buzzing · fired up · raring · champing at the bit · giddy
wired
Electrically connected or jittery
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- awakeNot in slumber
- caffeinatedContaining a stimulant compound
energetic · vigorous · lively · animated · buzzy · peppy · spirited · vivacious · dynamic · brisk
- Anxietyanxiety, nervousness, panic, worry, generalized anxiety
- excitementexcitement, enthusiasm, eagerness, exhilaration, thrill
- mood idiomsbad mood, black mood, dark mood, foul mood, in a mood
- restlessnessrestlessness, fidgeting, fidgets, agitation, nervousness
- slang moodsbummed, chill, cranky, edgy, grumpy
- hyperactivityfidgeting, hyper, restlessness, fidgety, restless
keyed upat ease
Relaxed, not tense
unruffled · composed · unflappable · cool as a cucumber · collected
keyed upunalert
Lacking attentiveness or vigilance
unprepared · off-guard · unwary · inattentive · disengaged
key, keys, keyboard, keyhole, wind up, keying, keyed, tune up, rekeyed