Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
on-a-knife-edge
idiom
/ɒn ə naɪf ɛdʒ/
Definition
In a situation that is very precarious or uncertain, where the outcome could go either way.
Examples
- The negotiations were on a knife edge, and it seemed like anything could go wrong at any moment.
- During the game, the score was so close that the players were on a knife edge, each point making a huge difference.
- The climbers were on a knife edge as they maneuvered along the narrow ledge high above the ground.
Meaning
The phrase ‘on a knife edge’ describes a situation that is very delicate or risky, where a small change could lead to vastly different outcomes, often used to indicate tension or anxiety.
Synonyms
- precarious
- tense
- unstable
- uncertain
