edge of safety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of safety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is precarious or close to danger, yet still within a realm of safety. Example: "The hikers found themselves on the edge of safety as they navigated the treacherous cliffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Daniel Ulbricht's Mercutio, a little guy with something to prove, rides the edge of safety.

The New York Times - Arts

In extremes, home is like the skin -- either the edge of safety or the thing you claw out of, unable to inhabit the identity it represents.

The New York Times

As for Hoegh Osaka, the senior national secretary of Nautilus, the UK seafarers' union, told the BBC that "vehicle and livestock carriers are built to the edge of safety for commercial reasons".

The Guardian

At its closest, fire found the edge of safety zones where equipment was parked.

Vice

Interventions at later stages of disease, such as in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes, have used mainly non-antigen-specific drugs, with the promising studies having used doses at the edge of safety.

Diabetic Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The need to test experimental aircraft has always taken pilots to the edges of safety.

Los Angeles Times

Poulsbo, back then, was right on the edge of suburban safety.

The New York Times - Magazine

The government said its troops had taken control of the Puthukkudiyiruppu area, the rebels' last remaining stronghold at the edge of the safety zone.

The New York Times

Clicking on any edge of the rectangular selection will work - I usually aim for the centre of an edge for safety.

WikiHow

Before walking on the edge of a trail, inspect the edge for safety reasons.

WikiHow

"Importers are always trying to chip away at the edges of that safety net".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing protocols or procedures in technical fields, consider adding extra language specifying tolerance or acceptable variance from the "edge of safety".

Common error

Avoid using "edge of safety" when you mean complete safety. The phrase inherently implies a degree of risk or precariousness. If there's no element of potential danger, a more straightforward term like "safety" or "security" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of safety" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies nouns or verbs by describing a state of being near a boundary or limit of what is considered safe. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity, providing examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "edge of safety" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase that conveys a sense of precariousness, describing situations that border on danger while still remaining within a safe zone. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is more frequent in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. While the phrase is valid, be mindful of its subtle connotation of risk, and consider alternatives like "precarious safety" or "borderline security" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. As with any expression, context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precarious safety

Emphasizes the instability or uncertainty within a safe state.

borderline security

Highlights the marginal nature of the security, suggesting a limit or threshold.

tenuous safety

Focuses on the fragility or weakness of the safety condition.

margin of security

Indicates a buffer or allowance within the realm of safety.

perilous security

Highlights the danger associated with a state of security.

verge of danger

Shifts focus slightly to the imminence of danger rather than the safety boundary.

cusp of security

Indicates being at the very beginning of a state of security.

brink of safety

Emphasizes being extremely close to the boundary of safety.

threshold of danger

Emphasizes the transition point into danger.

intersection of safety and risk

Highlights the meeting point where safety and risk converge.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of safety" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of safety" to describe situations that are bordering on danger but haven't crossed the line. For example, "The acrobat danced on the "edge of safety", thrilling the audience."

What does "edge of safety" imply?

The phrase "edge of safety" implies a precarious situation, suggesting a balance between security and potential danger. It indicates proximity to risk while still being within a manageable or tolerable zone.

What's the difference between "edge of safety" and "margin of safety"?

"Edge of safety" describes a situation close to becoming dangerous, while "margin of safety" refers to a buffer or allowance to prevent a situation from becoming dangerous.

Are there alternatives to "edge of safety" that still convey a similar meaning?

Yes, you can use phrases like "precarious safety", "borderline security", or "tenuous safety" to express the idea of being close to a dangerous situation while still within safe boundaries.