teetering on the void

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teetering on the void" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a precarious situation or a state of uncertainty, often implying a risk of falling or failing. Example: "As she stood at the edge of the cliff, she felt as if she were teetering on the void, unsure of what lay ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But increasingly, Soleluna is teetering on the void.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In 1970, in a contribution to Notes from the Second Year, titled "Woman and Her Mind," Meredith Tax argued that the condition of women constituted a state of "female schizophrenia" — a realm of unreality where a woman either belonged to a man or was "nowhere, disappeared, teetering on the edge of a void with no work to do and no felt identity at all".

The New Yorker

The economy remains teetering on the precipice.

The Guardian - Opinion

The globe is teetering on the brink.

The Guardian

THE economy is teetering on the edge.

The New York Times

"We really are teetering on the edge".

The Guardian

She's teetering on the edge.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The boulder was teetering on the lip of the plateau.

The Guardian - Travel

The economy is teetering on the brink of collapse.

The Economist

Thousands of species are teetering on the edge of extinction.

The Economist

But we're teetering on the brink of breaking even".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "teetering on the void" to describe situations that are not just unstable, but also carry a sense of profound uncertainty and potential for complete loss or failure. It is more impactful when describing abstract concepts or emotional states rather than physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "teetering on the void" to describe simple physical imbalances. The phrase is better suited for metaphorical use, where the "void" represents a significant loss or existential threat. Using it for something literally on the verge of falling might sound overly dramatic or awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "teetering on the void" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective. It describes a subject as being in a precarious state, close to a point of failure or collapse. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "teetering on the void" is a descriptive phrase used to convey a sense of being in a precarious situation, close to failure or collapse. While grammatically correct and confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare, with limited examples predominantly found in news and media contexts. It aims to evoke danger and uncertainty. It's best used in metaphorical or abstract contexts rather than literal physical ones. Related phrases include "on the brink of collapse" and "on the verge of disaster". As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is impactful when used appropriately to describe situations laden with uncertainty and the potential for significant loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of collapse

Focuses on the imminent possibility of failing or breaking down completely.

on the verge of disaster

Highlights the proximity to a catastrophic event or outcome.

close to the edge

Emphasizes nearness to a boundary or limit, often implying danger.

in a precarious situation

Indicates an unstable and uncertain state, lacking security.

walking a tightrope

Suggests a need for careful balance and skillful maneuvering to avoid failure.

skating on thin ice

Implies a risky activity where a mistake could lead to negative consequences.

hanging by a thread

Emphasizes the fragility and tenuousness of a situation.

on shaky ground

Highlights a lack of stability and reliability.

in a delicate balance

Stresses the need for careful management to maintain equilibrium and avoid disruption.

at a critical juncture

Indicates a crucial point where decisions will have significant impact on the future.

FAQs

How can I use "teetering on the void" in a sentence?

You can use "teetering on the void" to describe situations that are unstable and likely to result in a significant loss or failure. For instance, "After the scandal, his reputation was "teetering on the void"".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "teetering on the void"?

If you need a less intense phrase, consider options such as "on the brink", "on the edge", or "in a precarious situation". These alternatives convey instability without the same sense of existential threat.

Is it appropriate to use "teetering on the void" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "teetering on the void" might be perceived as slightly informal or dramatic for some formal contexts. Consider the specific tone and audience of your writing. For very formal pieces, a more neutral phrase like "facing imminent collapse" may be more suitable.

Can "teetering on the void" be used to describe physical objects?

While technically possible, "teetering on the void" is most effective when describing abstract concepts or emotional states. Describing a physical object as "teetering on the void" may sound overly dramatic. Instead consider using terms like "unstable" or "precariously balanced" for physical contexts.