verge on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘verge on’ mean?
The idiom "verge on" means to be very close to something, usually in a negative or extreme way. It implies approaching a certain point or state, often with the potential to cross a boundary or reach a limit.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "within an ace of" means very close to achieving or experiencing something, with only a small margin or distance remaining.
The idiom "the sun sets on something" means that something is coming to an end or reaching its completion.
The idiom "sail close to the wind" means to behave in a risky or dangerous way, pushing the limits of what is acceptable or legal.
The idiom "over the line" means to cross a boundary or limit, often in behavior or speech, that is considered inappropriate, unacceptable, or offensive.
The idiom "overstep the mark" means to go beyond the limits of what is considered acceptable or appropriate behavior.
The idiom "on the way" means that something is currently in progress or about to happen. It suggests that something is not yet completed or arrived, but is in the process of getting there.
Idiom: *on the point of*
Meaning: About to do something or reach a particular state or condition.
The idiom "on the edge of one's seat" means to be in a state of excitement, anticipation, or suspense, eagerly waiting for something to happen.
The idiom "on the cusp" means being at the point of transition or change, often referring to being on the brink of something significant or experiencing a crucial moment where one thing ends and another begins.
The idiom "on someone's doorstep" means to be very close or near to someone, specifically referring to a place or issue. It signifies the proximity and immediate impact of a situation or problem on a person's life.
On the Cusp
The idiom "verge on" has both literal and figurative meanings. It can be used to describe being on the edge or border of something, or to express a situation that is very close to reaching a certain limit or boundary, but hasn't quite done so yet.
When used literally, "verge on" refers to being right at the edge or border of something. For example, you might say "The house is on the verge of the forest," indicating that the house is located right at the edge of the forest. This emphasizes the idea of proximity and indicates that something is very close to another thing or state.
The figurative usage of "verge on" is more common. In this context, the idiom is often used to describe a situation that is very close to reaching or crossing a certain limit or boundary, but hasn't quite done so yet. It implies a state of being on the brink or threshold of something.
For instance, someone might say "His behavior verges on the unacceptable," indicating that the person's behavior is approaching the point of being deemed unacceptable, but hasn't fully crossed that line. This usage creates tension or anticipation about what might happen next.
It's interesting to note that the idiom "verge on" is related to several other idioms with similar meanings. One of these idioms is "on edge," which means to be in a state of nervousness, anxiety, or tension. When someone is on edge, they are close to reaching a breaking point or threshold, just like when something is verging on a certain limit or boundary.
Another related idiom is "close in on," which means to approach or get closer to something or someone. When something is on the verge of a certain state or situation, it is often also close in on that state or situation, just like when you are getting closer to something.
Similarly, "on the cusp" is another related idiom that means to be on the edge or threshold of a new and significant development or change. This is similar to being on the verge of something, as both idioms express the idea of being very close to a certain state or situation.
Another related idiom is "on the point of," which means to be about to do something or reach a certain state or situation. This is similar to being on the verge of something, as both idioms describe a situation that is very close to happening or being achieved.
Finally, there is the idiom "on the edge," which means to be very close to a dangerous or difficult situation. This is similar to being on the verge of something, as both idioms describe a situation that is very close to a certain limit or boundary.
The idiom "verge on" is versatile and can be used in various contexts. It can describe anything from emotions and behaviors to physical objects and states. Its broad application and potential for evolving meanings make it an interesting and dynamic linguistic phenomenon deserving of further exploration and reflection.
Example usage
"The movie I watched last night verged on being a masterpiece. The acting, the cinematography, and the storytelling were all incredibly well-crafted."
"Sarah's behavior verges on being obsessive. She constantly checks her phone, texts people incessantly, and overthinks every little detail."
"The stock market verged on crashing today. Investors panicked as prices continued to plummet."
More "border" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
