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on the edge

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɑn ði ˈɛdʒ/ · UK /ɒn ði ˈedʒ/

on the edge means: You are very close to a particular event, feeling, or state.

phrase

NEAR A CHANGEB2

You are very close to a particular event, feeling, or state.

  • She was on the edge of tears.
  • The country stood on the edge of war.
  • Are we on the edge of a major discovery?

How to use it: on the edge of something (The company is on the edge of collapse.); on the edge of doing something (She was on the edge of giving up.)

Similar words: on the verge of, on the brink of

Common phrases: on the edge of, on the edge emotionally

BARELY MANAGINGC1

You are close to serious trouble because you have almost no money, strength, or support left.

  • Many families are on the edge.
  • After months without work, he was on the edge financially.
  • Rising bills pushed households already on the edge into debt.

Similar words: in difficulty, at breaking point

Opposites: secure

Common phrases: families on the edge, on the edge financially

RISKY EXCITEMENTB2

You feel excited because you are taking risks or doing dangerous things.

  • He likes living on the edge.
  • Racing motorbikes keeps her on the edge.
  • They spent their holiday on the edge, climbing cliffs without ropes.

Similar words: dangerously

Common phrases: live on the edge, life on the edge

Questions about on the edge

What does on the edge mean?

You are very close to a particular event, feeling, or state.

What is on the edge in other languages?

Türkçe: eşiğinde · Español: al borde de · Français: au bord de · Deutsch: am Rande von · Italiano: sull’orlo di · 日本語: 寸前で

How do you pronounce on the edge?

In American English /ɑn ði ˈɛdʒ/; in British English /ɒn ði ˈedʒ/.

How do you use on the edge in a sentence?

She was on the edge of tears. The country stood on the edge of war.

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on the edge in other languages

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