on the verge

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.

See also: of, on, verge

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

on the verge (of doing something)

 and on the verge of something

at the very beginning of doing something; just about to do something. Bill was on the verge of leaving town when he found a job. Susan was on the verge of laughter, so she left the lecture hall.

See also: on, verge

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.