on the verge of (doing) (something)
Closely approaching some action or outcome; very nearly at the point at which something will happen. After weeks of failed experiments, I think we're finally on the verge of a breakthrough. I was on the verge of calling Tom to ask him out on a date, but I lost my nerve at the last moment.
to the verge of (something)
To the cusp of something; to the point where some action or outcome is nearly able to happen. Their latest victory pushes this underdog team to the verge of the playoffs for the first time in over 60 years. The civil war has pushed the country to the verge of total famine.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the verge of
Close to, on the brink of, as in I was on the verge of calling the doctor when he suddenly got better, or Sara was on the verge of tears when she heard the news. This term uses verge in the sense of "the brink or border of something." [Mid-1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on/to the verge of something/of doing something
at or close to the point or time when somebody does something or something happens: She was on the verge of tears. ♢ We’re on the verge of signing a new contract.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017