by (one's) fingertips
1. Literally, of a grasp, using only the tips of one's fingers (such as when hanging on the edge of a cliff). The stranded hiker was clinging on by her fingertips until the rescue crew arrived. Safety first, campers—one stupid decision, and you're hanging on by your fingertips, screaming for help. I took off running to the edge of the cliff where Bobby was hanging on by his fingertips.
2. In a way that is narrowly avoiding problems or failure. They're clinging on by their fingertips out there—the other team's offense is totally overwhelming them. Now that I have three small children to care for, I feel as if I'm hanging on by my fingertips every day. This girl is hanging on by her fingertips—she's barely breathing!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.