hand-wringing
noun /ˈhændrɪŋɪŋ/
/ˈhændrɪŋɪŋ/
[uncountable] (sometimes disapproving)- the behaviour that comes from being nervous or worried, especially when this seems excessive (= more than seems reasonable or appropriate)
- The candidate and her supporters went through a lot of hand-wringing as they waited to see the results.
- hand-wringing headlines claiming that mobile phones are bad for our health