hang by a thread
phrase
: to be in a very dangerous situation or state : to be very close to death, failure, etc.
The patient's life was hanging by a thread.
Cite this Entry
“Hang by a thread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hang%20by%20a%20thread. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
