push to the edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "push to the edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being pushed to their limits or boundaries, often in a challenging or stressful context. Example: "The constant demands of the project began to push the team to the edge, testing their resilience and commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

By Friday, there was talk of an Isis push to the edge of the capital itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

The C.F.T.C. paints a picture of a desperate chief executive willing to push to the edge of legality during MF Global's final days.

The New York Times

I guess I am someone who likes to push to the edge of what it is OK to have in a poem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I see someone pushed to the edge".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Everything is pushed to the edge of mania and disintegration.

The New Yorker

This is Chekhov pushed to the edge of nihilism.

The New York Times - Books

"People had already been pushed to the edge," Alinovi says.

The Guardian

I see someone who's been pushed to the edge".

The Guardian

It was absolute madness – I got pushed to the edge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We don't always allow ourselves to get pushed to the edge, either physically or mentally.

The New York Times - Travel

"Where do you want me to park? Mentally, physically, I'm pushed to the edge".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push to the edge" when you want to convey that something or someone is nearing their limit, whether it's a physical, emotional, or conceptual boundary.

Common error

Avoid using "push to the edge" when the situation involves minor inconvenience; reserve it for scenarios where there is significant stress or risk involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "push to the edge" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting adverbially to modify a verb, indicating the extent to which something is being influenced or pressured. Ludwig shows examples of its use in conveying a sense of nearing a limit or boundary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Lifestyle

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "push to the edge" is a correct and usable prepositional phrase that indicates nearing a limit. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is grammatically sound, reserve its usage for scenarios characterized by significant stress or risk, as it can be an overstatement in less critical situations. As Ludwig AI suggests, phrases like "approach the limit", "test the boundaries", or "near breaking point" could be used as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approach the limit

Focuses on nearing a maximum allowable extent or degree.

test the boundaries

Emphasizes the act of exploring and challenging established limits.

verge on collapse

Highlights the imminence of failure or breakdown.

near breaking point

Indicates being close to a point of emotional or physical exhaustion.

at the end of one's rope

Implies a state of desperation and loss of hope.

reach the threshold

Highlights arriving at a critical level or point of change.

on the brink of disaster

Focuses on the proximity to a calamitous event or situation.

on the verge of ruin

Emphasizes the nearness to a state of destruction or failure.

close to the precipice

Illustrates a situation of being dangerously close to a steep drop or downfall.

at the razor's edge

Suggests a precarious balance between success and failure.

FAQs

How can "push to the edge" be used in a sentence?

You can use "push to the edge" to describe a situation where someone or something is nearing its limit, for example: "The increasing demands of the project began to push the edge of the team's capabilities."

What is a good alternative to "push to the edge"?

Alternatives to "push to the edge" include phrases like "approach the limit", "test the boundaries", or "near breaking point" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "pushed to the edge" or "pushed over the edge"?

"Pushed to the edge" indicates nearing a limit, while "pushed over the edge" means that limit has been surpassed. The better phrase depends on whether the limit was actually exceeded or just approached.

What does it mean to be "pushed to the edge" mentally?

Being "pushed to the edge" mentally means that someone is experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or pressure that is severely testing their mental resilience and coping abilities. Consider alternatives like "near breaking point".