cliff-hangv.
/ˈklɪfˌhaŋ/, U.S. /ˈklɪfˌhæŋ/ intransitive. To be in a dramatic or exciting situation having a strong element of suspense. In early use also: to perform in a cliffhanger in a dramatic work.
ΚΠ
1946 Time 26 Aug. 58/1 The only thing I will admit is wrong with most soap opera is cliff-hanging. I never, never, cliff-hang.
1949 Here & Now (N.Z.) Oct. 10/3 His Government is cliff-hanging by four wisps of grass.
1973 Economist 8 Dec. 32/1 The well-informed forecast is that Mr Sadat will continue to cliffhang until Mr Kissinger arrives in Cairo.
1992 Premiere Feb. 63/2 She's cliff-hanging, waiting for Connery to save her.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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