brink of implosion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brink of implosion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is on the verge of collapse or failure, often due to overwhelming pressure or stress. Example: "The company's financial practices have led it to the brink of implosion, with investors losing confidence rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

America may often seem on the brink of implosion, yet it draws strength from its fragmentation of power, the same fragmentation as was advocated for Norway.

The Guardian - Opinion

When UK garage first started generating headlines in the late-Nineties, it was widely viewed as the natural successor to drum'n'bass, a scene which then seemed on the brink of implosion.

Independent

What has happened here over the past couple of months is evidence not of division or of imminent collapse or of a fractured nation on the brink of implosion but of a vibrant democracy that cares deeply about its future.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is also madness and mayhem, brought impressively to life in the figure of the Commandant, a syphilitic megalomaniac whose lunatic plans to recreate the glories of the enlightenment on Sarah Island bring the community to the brink of implosion.

The Guardian - Books

The Philadelphia Eagles have felt as if they were on the brink of implosion for at least a month, as Coach Andy Reid — his own job on the line since the owner Jeffrey Lurie said an 8-8 season would not suffice — fired the defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and pondered whether to bench quarterback Michael Vick.

The New York Times - Sports

Rothenberg Ventures, the four-year-old, San Francisco-based seed-stage venture firm, may be on the brink of implosion, say several sources close to the firm.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Nova appeared to be on the brink of another implosion.

The New York Times - Sports

John Lanchester (2012) Lanchester's London is a city on the brink of financial implosion.

The Guardian

When Hester took over as chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland in October 2008, and as £45bn of taxpayer money was being pumped in to the business, the once proud Edinburgh-based bank was on the brink of an implosion that could have brought down the UK economy with it.

The Guardian - Business

Even when Bari were on the brink of financial implosion in 2014, their stalwart support rallied around them, turning up to the San Nicola en masse – setting a record for the highest Serie B attendance against Latina – and even helping to fund the team's travel to away games.

The Guardian - Sport

Decaying, debilitated and on the verge of implosion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "brink of implosion" with specific details explaining what is at risk of collapsing and why. For instance, "The company's excessive spending put it on the brink of implosion, threatening to wipe out shareholder value."

Common error

While "brink of implosion" effectively conveys a sense of impending collapse, its dramatic tone is best reserved for situations with genuinely high stakes. Using it for minor setbacks can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brink of implosion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or within a prepositional phrase. It describes a state or condition, specifically one nearing a critical point of failure. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brink of implosion" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys a state of near collapse due to internal pressures. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is often used in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. While it's a powerful phrase, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a dramatic tone to prevent overuse and maintain its impact. Alternatives like "verge of collapse" or "edge of destruction" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verge of collapse

Replaces "brink" with "verge", offering a slightly less dramatic but similar sense of being close to failure.

near the point of collapse

Similar meaning but perhaps emphasizes the proximity to collapse rather than the immediacy.

on the precipice of disaster

Emphasizes the dangerous situation, indicating a high likelihood of a negative outcome.

facing imminent collapse

Highlights the timing of the event, indicating that the collapse is likely to happen soon.

edge of destruction

Focuses on the destructive outcome, emphasizing the potential for complete ruin.

on the verge of ruin

Similar to "edge of destruction" but focuses more on the complete loss of something valuable.

point of disintegration

Highlights the breaking apart aspect of implosion, suggesting a loss of cohesion.

at the breaking point

Indicates that the situation has reached a critical stage where it is likely to fail.

threat of failure

A more general term indicating a possibility of unsuccessful outcome. Loses the intensity of the original phrase.

about to fall apart

A more informal way of saying that something is on the brink of collapse, focuses on internal disarray.

FAQs

How can I use "brink of implosion" in a sentence?

You can use "brink of implosion" to describe a situation nearing collapse, such as "The political party was on the brink of implosion due to internal conflicts."

What are some alternatives to "brink of implosion"?

Alternatives include "verge of collapse", "edge of destruction", or "point of disintegration", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "brink of implosion" in formal writing?

Yes, "brink of implosion" is suitable for formal writing when describing serious situations heading towards failure, especially in business, politics, or economics.

How does "brink of implosion" differ from "brink of collapse"?

"Brink of implosion" suggests a collapse from within, due to internal pressures. "Brink of collapse", on the other hand, is a more general term and can refer to collapse from internal or external causes.