be on the verge of -ing — to be very close to doing something or experiencing something, at the point of beginning
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be very close to doing something or experiencing something, at the point of beginning
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ɑn ðə ˈvɜrdʒ əv/
Example Sentences
- My phone was on the verge of dying when my crush finally texted me back.
- The company is on the verge of launching its revolutionary product.
- I was on the verge of eating my roommate's leftover pizza when they walked in.
be on the verge of -ing
NOUN[/bi ɑn ðə ˈvɜrdʒ əv/]
to be very close to doing something or experiencing something, at the point of beginning
The volcano was on the verge of erupting as villagers fled in panic.
On the verge of merge, the waters surge!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'verge' derives from Latin 'virga', meaning 'rod' or 'boundary line'. Originally denoting a physical edge or border, it evolved metaphorically to describe standing at the threshold of a particular state or situation, especially in temporal contexts.
Breakdown
verge (from Latin virga, meaning edge or boundary) + of (preposition indicating proximity) + -ing (gerund suffix forming a noun from a verb, indicating an action or state about to occur).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My phone was on the verge of dying when my crush finally texted me back.”
“The company is on the verge of launching its revolutionary product.”
“I was on the verge of eating my roommate's leftover pizza when they walked in.”
“The negotiations are on the verge of breaking down.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.