Brink
/brɪŋk/
Definitions
The extreme edge of something; the point of a precipice; verge.
/brɪŋk/
The edge of something, especially a steep place.
They stood on the brink of disaster.
💡 Simply: The very edge or verge of something.
More Examples
He was on the brink of a major breakthrough.
How It's Used
"The hikers stood on the brink of a deep canyon."
"The country was on the brink of war."
Idioms & expressions
on the brink of
Very close to (a particular situation, typically a negative one).
"The company was on the brink of bankruptcy."
From Middle English brink, from Old English brinc "edge, bank". Related to words meaning "to burn", possibly referring to a cliff edge exposed to the sun.
Historically, 'brink' was used more literally to refer to the edge of a riverbank or cliff. Its figurative use became more common in later centuries.
Memory tip
Think of being on the BRINK of falling off a cliff.