hang by a hair

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Definition
  1. Verb phrase:
    • To be in a very precarious or dangerous situation; to depend on a very small or fragile thing for survival or success. This idiom describes a state of extreme vulnerability where a very minor change or event could lead to failure or disaster.
Usage
  • This phrase is used to emphasize the extreme fragility and risk of a situation. It is almost always used in continuous tenses (e.g., , ) and is often followed by a description of what is at risk.
  • It functions as a predicate, typically following a subject like "fate," "chances," "life," or a specific project/outcome.
Examples
  • Verb phrase:
    • After the scandal, the minister's political career hangs by a hair.
    • The success of the entire mission hung by a hair until the final signal was received.
    • With the company's finances so unstable, hundreds of jobs are hanging by a hair.
Advanced Usage
  • "to hang by a single hair": An even stronger form emphasizing the singular, tenuous connection.
    • The fragile peace agreement hangs by a single hair.
  • The phrase is often used in dramatic or descriptive contexts, such as in news reports, literature, or storytelling, to create a sense of suspense and imminent danger.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hang by a thread: A more common variant with identical meaning. "Thread" is slightly more frequent in modern usage than "hair."
    • The patient's life hangs by a thread.
  • Dangle by a thread/hair: A less common variant with the same connotation.
  • Precarious (adj): Describing an unstable, insecure situation.
    • The vase was in a precarious position on the edge of the table.
  • Tenuous (adj): Very weak or slight; describing a fragile connection.
    • He has only a tenuous grasp of the subject.
Synonyms
  • Be on a knife-edge: To be in a situation where the outcome is extremely uncertain and could go either way.
  • Be in the balance: To be uncertain and awaiting a decisive outcome.
  • Be touch and go: Describing an uncertain and critical situation, especially regarding survival.
Related Idioms
  • By the skin of one's teeth: To barely succeed or escape failure.
    • He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
  • On thin ice: In a risky or dangerous position where one is likely to get into trouble.
    • After missing two deadlines, she's on thin ice with her manager.
Verb
  1. depend on a small thing or be at risk
    • His life now hangs by a thread

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