on the verge of exploding

USAGE SUMMARY

'on the verge of exploding' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or a feeling when something is about to erupt and is in a precarious state of imminent change. For example: "The crowd was on the verge of exploding as they waited for the announcement of the winning team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"It is already bringing improvements into the lives of many people and is now on the verge of exploding into one of the world's most important social and economic trends".

The New York Times

For the China dreamers, the market is always on the verge of exploding.

The New Yorker

"But this dangerous combination is on the verge of exploding at Beverly High, turning the school into a megadisaster".

The New York Times

But simmering social unrest is on the verge of exploding here, much as in the rest of the country.

The Guardian

Here the show felt stripped of some of its previous quiet, detached cool and was instead angry, confrontational, on the verge of exploding.

The Guardian

The suggestion is that the talents of 1.2 billion Ramanujans – all of them tremendously multicultural and supremely talented – are on the verge of exploding.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There are characters named Minky Momo and the Traumadome, and everything seems on the verge of either exploding or having sex with itself.

Vice

In that era it was different; you were faced with 2,000 baying people on the verge of their heads exploding.

The Guardian - Music

But when Afghanistan is exploding and on the verge of failure, details matter.

Huffington Post

You were faced with 2,000 baying people on the verge of such euphoria their heads were almost exploding.

Vice

(I write this as a big fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, which five years ago were on the verge of a Thunderlike feel-good explosion, but then all of their best players' knees exploded simultaneously).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the verge of exploding" to convey a sense of high tension and impending dramatic change or release, whether in a physical, emotional, or societal context. For instance, "The company was on the verge of exploding with new talent".

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of exploding" to describe situations that are merely unstable or uncertain, but lack the element of imminent, forceful release. The phrase implies a critical threshold being reached, not just general instability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of exploding" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to characterize a noun or situation that is approaching a critical point, often implying a sudden and forceful release. This characterization is supported by the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the verge of exploding" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that effectively conveys a sense of impending, dramatic change or release. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overly literal interpretations, the phrase remains a powerful way to emphasize high tension and potential disruption. Remember the alternative phrases to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to erupt

This alternative focuses on the sudden and forceful release, similar to a volcano.

about to burst

Focuses on a sudden release of contained pressure or emotions.

on the brink of collapse

This alternative emphasizes the potential for a sudden and catastrophic failure.

on the cusp of eruption

Highlights the imminence and force of the impending release.

ready to blow up

A more direct and informal way of expressing imminent explosion.

at a breaking point

This suggests that something is under so much pressure that it is about to fail.

close to detonation

This alternative is more technical and implies a controlled explosion.

nearing combustion

This alternative suggests a fiery and energetic release.

on the edge of chaos

This alternative focuses on the potential for disorder and unpredictable events.

approaching critical mass

This alternative suggests that something is building up to a point where it will inevitably explode.

FAQs

What does "on the verge of exploding" mean?

It means something is very close to a sudden and often disruptive release of energy, emotion, or activity. It suggests a state of high tension just before a significant event occurs.

How can I use "on the verge of exploding" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe situations like: "The political climate was "on the verge of exploding" due to rising tensions."

What are some alternatives to "on the verge of exploding"?

Some alternatives include "about to erupt", "on the brink of collapse", or "ready to blow up", depending on the specific context.

Is "on the verge of exploding" a formal or informal expression?

It is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often used in journalistic and descriptive writing.