on the verge of imploding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the verge of imploding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or entity that is about to collapse or fail dramatically, often under pressure or stress. Example: "The company's finances are on the verge of imploding due to mismanagement and excessive debt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

If there is one favourite recurring propaganda fable Americans love to read about Europeans, it's the one about how Europe is decaying and its social system is on the verge of imploding; we Americans pray for that day to come, with even more fervour than we pray for the End of Days, because the very existence of these pampered workers makes us look like the suckers and slaves we really are.

The Guardian - Opinion

This chart shows a euro on the verge of imploding.

The New York Times

By most accounts, Zamtel was on the verge of imploding this past summer, almost defaulting on its debts, including tens of millions to Chinese suppliers.

The New York Times

Gere's Robert Miller is a billionaire on the verge of imploding after a fatal car accident he causes threatens to derail the multimillion-dollar sale of his company.

Independent

Much like downgrades from a credit rating agency, these reports could have a shaming effect on economies that might be on the verge of imploding.

The New York Times

Twelve months ago, the Tour limped to the finish line in Paris, seemingly on the verge of imploding over doping scandals.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Retired immigration Judge Paul Wickham Schmidt recently warned that the courts were on "the verge of collapse," threatening to implode under the weight of over half a million pending cases.

University of California, Berkeley

Brandishing the nineteen-thirties slogan "Fascism Means War," he argued that Saddam was something more than another tyrant; though he did not have nuclear weapons, he aspired to have them; his regime was on the verge of implosion, and better that it should implode under supervision, with the West providing "armed assistance to the imminent Iraqi and Kurdish revolutions".

The New Yorker

It was on the verge of cohering.

The New York Times

It's on the verge of insanity.

The New Yorker

Arthur seemed on the verge of resurrection.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the verge of imploding", consider adding context that builds suspense and explains the forces leading to the impending collapse.

Common error

Avoid using "on the verge of imploding" to describe something that is merely facing challenges but is fundamentally stable or showing signs of improvement. This phrase suggests imminent and catastrophic failure, not temporary setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the verge of imploding" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that the subject is in a state of imminent and catastrophic failure. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the verge of imploding" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that something is nearing a point of catastrophic failure due to immense pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the severity of the situation, avoiding its application to stable or improving scenarios. Alternatives such as "about to collapse" and "on the brink of collapse" offer similar meanings but may convey slightly different nuances. It's important to provide sufficient context to build suspense and explain the forces leading to the impending collapse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of collapse

A synonym that stresses the critical point before failure.

close to failing

Highlights the impending lack of success or functionality.

on the point of failure

Highlights the exact moment just before collapse.

about to collapse

Emphasizes the imminence of structural failure.

ready to crash

Implies a sudden and forceful breakdown.

teetering on the brink

Emphasizes instability and precariousness.

nearing disintegration

Focuses on the process of falling apart.

approaching meltdown

Implies a catastrophic breakdown, often used in a figurative sense.

about to self-destruct

Suggests an internal mechanism leading to failure.

on the edge of ruin

Focuses on the disastrous consequences of failure.

FAQs

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

Use "on the verge of imploding" to describe a situation that is nearing a point of catastrophic failure due to internal or external pressures. For example, "The company's business model was "on the verge of imploding" due to unsustainable debt levels".

What are some alternatives to saying "on the verge of imploding"?

You can use alternatives like "about to collapse", "on the brink of collapse", or "nearing disintegration" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "on the verge of imploding" in formal writing?

Yes, "on the verge of imploding" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing critical situations in business, politics, or economics. However, ensure that the context justifies the dramatic tone of the phrase.

What makes "on the verge of imploding" different from "about to explode"?

"On the verge of imploding" suggests a collapse inward due to internal or external pressures, whereas "about to explode" implies a sudden, outward burst of energy or force. The former is often used for systems and organizations, while the latter is more commonly used for physical objects or volatile situations.