precipice
A very steep, high side of rock or land, like the edge of a cliff, that is dangerous to fall from.
A very steep or almost vertical rock face or cliff, especially one that is high and dangerous to stand near or fall from.
A very dangerous point in a situation, when something very bad or very big may happen soon.
A very dangerous or critical point in a situation where a major disaster, failure, or extreme change is very close to happening.
- Base: precipice
- Plural: precipices
on the edge of a precipice
1very close to extreme danger
To be in a situation that is very close to something extremely dangerous or life-changing.
- The negotiations left both sides feeling on the edge of a precipice.
- Some scientists say humanity is on the edge of a precipice with climate change.
- Living with such high debt keeps them on the edge of a precipice.
on the precipice of
1very close to a big change
To be in a situation where something very big, usually very good or very bad, is about to happen soon.
- The world is on the precipice of a technological revolution.
- Experts say the region is on the precipice of a serious humanitarian crisis.
- They felt they were on the precipice of something extraordinary.
pull back from the precipice
1move away from near disaster
To take action so that a very bad event, such as war or collapse, does not happen.
- Diplomats are working hard to pull the two countries back from the precipice.
- Urgent budget cuts were needed to pull the company back from the precipice.
- Community leaders helped pull the neighborhood back from the precipice of violence.
teetering on the precipice
1in a very unstable, risky position
To be in a very shaky and unsafe situation, very close to serious trouble or a big change.
- The fragile peace agreement is teetering on the precipice.
- With growing losses, the business is teetering on the precipice again.
- Their marriage was teetering on the precipice after months of arguments.