hang on by a thread
Meaning
To be in a very fragile or critical state, where failure or collapse could happen at any moment.
Origin
From the literal image of something suspended by a single thin thread; even a small force could break it. The metaphor has been used in English for centuries to describe precarious situations (health, plans, relationships, finances).
Notes
Dramatic emphasis for precarious situations (health, plans, relationships, finances). Implies it’s barely holding together and could fail soon.
Examples
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After the accident, the old bridge was hanging on by a thread until engineers could inspect it.
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Their relationship has been hanging on by a thread since the argument last month.
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The company is hanging on by a thread after losing its biggest client.
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My patience was hanging on by a thread when the meeting ran an hour over schedule.
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In the final minutes of the game, our lead was hanging on by a thread.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “be hanging on by a thread” (state) or “hangs on by a thread.” Tense/subject can change, but the core phrase “by a thread” is fixed.
Synonyms
- be in a precarious state
- be on the brink
- teeter on the edge
- be on its last legs
- be touch-and-go
Antonyms
- be on solid ground
- be secure
- be stable
- be safe