In English, the phrase "on the edge of" is a common expression that can be used in various contexts. It can describe both physical and metaphorical situations, and mastering it will help you sound more fluent and natural in conversations. This article will explain what "on the edge of" means, how to use it, and provide several examples to illustrate its different uses.
1. Literal Meaning: Describing a Physical Location
The phrase "on the edge of" often refers to a physical location near the boundary or border of something. This usage can describe an object, person, or place that is at the very end or margin of something.
Examples:
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The dog was sitting on the edge of the table.
- 那只狗坐在桌子的边缘。
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We stood on the edge of the cliff, looking down at the sea.
- 我们站在悬崖的边缘，俯视着海洋。
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The book is on the edge of the shelf, almost falling off.
- 书本就在书架的边缘，差点掉下来。
In these examples, "on the edge of" directly refers to a physical location that is at the outer boundary of an object or place.
2. Figurative Meaning: Describing a State or Condition
In addition to its literal use, "on the edge of" is frequently used in a figurative sense to describe someone or something that is in a precarious, critical, or extreme situation. This can refer to emotions, events, or even abstract concepts like success or failure.
a. Describing a Critical Emotional State:
When you are "on the edge of" something in an emotional sense, it means that you are very close to experiencing something intense or dramatic, such as breaking down, exploding in anger, or being overwhelmed.
Examples:
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She was on the edge of tears after hearing the bad news.
- 听到坏消息后，她几乎要流泪了。
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He felt on the edge of exhaustion after working nonstop for hours.
- 连续工作了几个小时后，他感到极度疲惫，几乎撑不住了。
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I was on the edge of losing my temper when they kept interrupting me.
- 当他们一直打断我时，我几乎快失去耐心了。
In these cases, "on the edge of" emphasizes that the person is nearing an emotional limit and is just one step away from reacting in a significant way.
b. Describing an Event About to Happen:
The phrase can also describe a situation that is very close to happening, often with an implication of change, danger, or opportunity.
Examples:
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The company is on the edge of a major breakthrough in their research.
- 这家公司在他们的研究中即将取得重大突破。
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The country is on the edge of a political crisis.
- 这个国家即将进入政治危机。
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We are on the edge of a new era in technology.
- 我们正站在科技新时代的边缘。
Here, "on the edge of" implies that something significant is about to take place, and there is a sense of anticipation or uncertainty.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
While "on the edge of" is commonly used, there are a few mistakes to be aware of:
a. Confusing with "At the edge of":
Both "on the edge of" and "at the edge of" describe something close to a boundary or limit, but they are used slightly differently.
- "On the edge of" typically emphasizes the position of being right at the boundary (physically or figuratively).
- "At the edge of" is often used to indicate a more specific point on the boundary, without the implied danger or intensity.
For example:
- He stood on the edge of the platform (indicating he was standing right at the edge).
- The edge of the platform was at the boundary of the train station (more neutral, describing a specific point).
b. Overuse in Figurative Contexts:
Using "on the edge of" in every situation can make your language sound exaggerated or too dramatic. Be mindful to use it appropriately for situations where something important or significant is about to happen, whether emotionally or physically.
4. Conclusion
The phrase "on the edge of" is versatile and can be used in both physical and figurative contexts. Whether you're describing a person near the boundary of a table or a situation teetering on the brink of change, this phrase adds clarity and emphasis to your communication. By understanding both its literal and figurative meanings, you'll be able to use it correctly and effectively in your own writing and conversations.
Quick Recap:
- Literal: Describes something physically near the boundary (e.g., on the edge of the table).
- Figurative: Describes a critical state, emotion, or situation (e.g., on the edge of a breakdown).
Now, go ahead and start using "on the edge of" in our conversations to sound more fluent and precise!
