brink
The time or situation just before something big or serious happens.
The point or critical moment just before a major, often extreme or important, event or change happens.
The edge at the top of a very steep place, like a cliff, where it suddenly goes down.
The very edge at the top of a steep place, such as a cliff, gorge, or high bank, where the ground drops away sharply.
The place where the ground ends and a river, lake, or other water begins.
The edge of land bordering a river, lake, or other body of water.
- Base: brink
- Plural: brinks
bring someone back from the brink
1save at the last moment
To stop someone or something from failing, dying, or being destroyed when it was very close to it.
- The new loan brought the company back from the brink.
- Quick action by the medical team brought him back from the brink.
- International support helped bring the country back from the brink of collapse.
on the brink of
1at the point just before
Very close to a big change or event, usually used before a noun or -ing verb.
- Many believe the region is on the brink of war.
- The two companies are on the brink of signing a major agreement.
- Doctors say the patient is on the brink of recovery.
push someone to the brink
1drive very close to collapse
To make a person, group, or system almost fail, break down, or collapse.
- The long working hours pushed him to the brink of exhaustion.
- Years of conflict have pushed the country to the brink.
- Financial pressures are pushing many families to the brink.
teeter on the brink
1be very close to disaster
To be in a very unstable or dangerous situation, very close to a bad or extreme result.
- The region is teetering on the brink of chaos.
- Their relationship is teetering on the brink after months of arguments.
- Several small businesses are teetering on the brink due to rising costs.