White knuckle

Meaning

Experiencing fear or excitement intensely.

Usage

Used for thrilling or terrifying activities.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Hands turning white from gripping tightly.

Used in thrill-seeking narratives.