Phrase guide

on the edge

prep_phrase · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

In a precarious position, with one's resources nearly exhausted.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Our job as social workers is to help families on the edge.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

In a state of excitement due to taking risks.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • living on the edge

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

With figurative or temporal proximity to (an event, state of mind, etc.).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: with-of

Examples

  • The stock market was on the edge of collapse.
  • on the edge of lunacy

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: in bilico — in a precarious position
  • Italian: sospeso a un filo — in a precarious position
  • Italian: sul filo del rasoio — in a precarious position
  • Polish: na granicy — in a precarious position
  • Polish: na krawędzi — in a precarious position
  • Polish: na skraju — in a precarious position
  • Italian: sul filo del rasoio — in a state of excitement due to risk
  • Polish: na granicy — in a state of excitement due to risk
  • Polish: na krawędzi — in a state of excitement due to risk
  • Polish: na skraju — in a state of excitement due to risk
  • Italian: sull'orlo — with figurative proximity to
  • Polish: na granicy — with figurative proximity to
  • Polish: na krawędzi — with figurative proximity to
  • Polish: na skraju — with figurative proximity to
  • Portuguese: à beira de — with figurative proximity to