hanging by a thread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hanging by a thread" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that is precarious and may be in danger of collapsing if there are any further losses or changes. Example sentence: Our efforts to fix the problem are now hanging by a thread, so we need to find a quick solution.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's hanging by a thread".

The New York Times

"We're hanging by a thread.

The New York Times

Margie Walsh is hanging by a thread.

Yale University

Space materials research: hanging by a thread.

Nature

His shoulder was hanging by a thread".

The New York Times - Sports

Its credibility is hanging by a thread.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's all so fragile, literally hanging by a thread".

The New York Times

His political future is hanging by a thread (see article).

The Economist

But that agreement is now hanging by a thread.

The Economist

His practice, he said, is hanging by a thread.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of the hanging-by-a-thread part, there's little doubt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hanging by a thread" to vividly describe situations where stability or success is highly uncertain and dependent on avoiding further setbacks.

Common error

Avoid using "hanging by a thread" in contexts where something is literally suspended by a single thread. The phrase is meant to convey a figurative sense of precariousness, not a literal one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hanging by a thread" functions as an idiomatic expression. It serves to describe situations or conditions that are extremely unstable or precarious, implying imminent failure or collapse. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "hanging by a thread" is a powerful tool for describing precarious and unstable situations. Ludwig's analysis, based on a multitude of real-world examples, confirms that it is both grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. It serves to highlight the fragility and high risk associated with a given situation, whether it be a political career, a business venture, or even a scientific theory. While versatile, writers should avoid literal interpretations and ensure the context appropriately conveys a sense of instability. Using alternative phrases, such as "on the brink of collapse" or "in a precarious situation", can also add nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the widespread applicability of this idiom in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the circumstances.

in a fragile state

Indicates a delicate condition that is easily disrupted.

on the brink of collapse

Focuses on the imminent possibility of failure or breakdown.

on the verge of disaster

Emphasizes the potential for a catastrophic outcome.

one step away from ruin

Highlights the proximity to complete failure or destruction.

on shaky ground

Implies a lack of stability and a high likelihood of failure.

barely surviving

Stresses the minimal margin of survival or success.

skating on thin ice

Employs the metaphor of thin ice to suggest a dangerous and risky course of action.

at a critical juncture

Focuses on the importance of the current moment for determining the future outcome.

walking a tightrope

Uses the imagery of a tightrope walker to convey a sense of risk and careful balance.

FAQs

How can I use "hanging by a thread" in a sentence?

You can use "hanging by a thread" to describe a situation that is unstable and likely to fail if something goes wrong. For example: "The company's future is "hanging by a thread" after the recent scandal".

What's a good alternative to "hanging by a thread"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the brink of collapse", "in a precarious situation", or "on the verge of disaster", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hanging by a thread" in formal writing?

While "hanging by a thread" is generally acceptable in various contexts, in highly formal writing, consider using a more precise or literal description of the situation's instability.

What does it mean when someone says something is "hanging by a thread"?

It means that the situation, plan, or object is in a very unstable or risky position, and is likely to fail or break if anything else goes wrong. It is "in a fragile state".