释义 |
on the edge of (something) on the edge of (something)Very close to doing something or of having some imminent event happen, especially that which is bad or disastrous. The company is still doing business, but ever since the recession hit, they've been teetering on the edge of closing down. The crew are so maddened by the cuts to their pay that everyone is on the edge of mutiny.See also: edge, of, on*on the edgeFig. very anxious and about to become distraught; on the verge of becoming irrational. (*Typically: be ~; live ~. See also on edge.) After the horrible events of the last week, we are all on the edge.See also: edge, onon the edge1. In a precarious position; also, in a state of keen excitement, as from danger or risk. For example, When the stock market crashed, their whole future was on the edge, or Skydivers obviously must enjoy living on the edge. 2. on the edge of. On the point of doing something, as in He was on the edge of winning the election when the sex scandal broke. [c. 1600] Both def. 1 and 2 allude to the danger of falling over the edge of a precipice. See also: edge, on on the edge1. In a precarious position.2. In a state of keen excitement, as from danger or risk: "the excitement of combat, of living on the edge" (Nelson DeMille).See also: edge, on |