white knuckling

When you're taking a situation as it comes and flying by the seat of your pants. Often attributed to anxiety, and feelings either good or bad. A reference to clinging fiercely to something, such as a rope, to the point where ones knuckles would turn white from forcing blood from the capillaries.

Jesus, I'm sweating, I was white knuckling my way through that interview. Those guys are scary.

1112👍 269👎