Hang by a thread.
[Idiom] HANG BY A THREAD. - Master the Art of Describing Risky Situations in English!
In a precarious state.
The idiom "hang by a thread" is used to describe a situation or an object in a very precarious, insecure state, likely to collapse or fail at any moment. The visual here is striking—imagine a valuable painting hanging from a single, fraying thread, where its fall seems almost inevitable. This phrase excellently evokes the sense of imminent danger or failure in scenarios that are highly unstable.
Example Sentences
His job security is hanging by a thread after the recent errors.
His job security is very unstable after the recent errors.
Their relationship is hanging by a thread; one more fight might end it.
Their relationship is very unstable; one more fight might end it.
The peace talks were hanging by a thread, with both sides refusing to compromise.
The peace talks were unstable, with both sides refusing to compromise.
