on the verge of
idiom
: at the point when (something) is about to happen or is very likely to happen
The company was on the verge of going bankrupt.
The child was on the verge of tears.
We were on the verge of divorce.
Examples of on the verge of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawrence, who starred as Katniss Everdeen in the original five Hunger Games movies, is reportedly on the verge of making her grand return to the franchise in next year's Sunrise on the Reaping.
—
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
Jacksonville is on the verge of making the playoffs after only winning four games in 2024.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
This is one of cricket’s greatest rivalries and, indeed, one of world sport’s most historic and keenly-fought contests (certainly one of the most hyped) and yet, despite Australia being on the verge of victory, the stadium is barely a third full.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
There should be no blemishes, white mold, or yellow spots, as this may indicate rotting, or that the cucumber is overly ripe and on the verge of rotting.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the verge of
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Dec. 2025
Jacksonville is on the verge of making the playoffs after only winning four games in 2024.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025
This is one of cricket’s greatest rivalries and, indeed, one of world sport’s most historic and keenly-fought contests (certainly one of the most hyped) and yet, despite Australia being on the verge of victory, the stadium is barely a third full.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025
There should be no blemishes, white mold, or yellow spots, as this may indicate rotting, or that the cucumber is overly ripe and on the verge of rotting.
—Christine Fiorentino, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the verge of
Cite this Entry
“On the verge of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20verge%20of. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share