Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

on the edge

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.74 in modern English

Syllables: on the edge
IPA

14

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

1

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

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

prep_phrase

In a state of excitement due to taking risks.

prep_phrase

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

Example Sentences

"Our job as social workers is to help families on the edge."
"living on the edge"
"You know, flying a chopper, a helicopter, it's just natural for me. Maybe... just a little exciting? Yes, man. It's great. There's nothing like it. It's on the edge."
"The stock market was on the edge of collapse."
"on the edge of lunacy"

Phrases

live on the edge on edge on the edge of on the edge of one's seat

Frequently Paired Words

on edge on the edge of on the edge of one's seat on the brink on the verge

Synonyms

on the brink of on the verge of

Questions

What does on the edge mean?: In a precarious position, with one's resources nearly exhausted.

How to pronounce on the edge

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “on the edge”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “on the edge”.
Repeat and practice — Say “on the edge” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.