How Do You Spell HANG BY A HAIR?

Pronunciation: [hˈaŋ ba͡ɪ ɐ hˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The phrase "hang by a hair" is pronounced as /hæŋ baɪ ə hɛr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "hang" is spelled as it sounds, with the "h" being silent. The word "by" is spelled with a "y" instead of an "i" to reflect its pronunciation as /baɪ/. The word "hair" is spelled with an "a" and an "i" to reflect its two vowel sounds: /hɛr/. This phrase means to be in a precarious or dangerous situation, as if hanging by a thin thread.

HANG BY A HAIR Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "hang by a hair" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a precarious or delicate situation where someone or something is in imminent danger or close to failure. The term originates from the image of a person or object being suspended by a single strand of hair, symbolizing a situation that could easily lead to destruction or collapse.

   Being an idiomatic expression, the phrase does not have a literal meaning. It is often used to emphasize the extreme vulnerability or fragility of a person or a situation. To say that someone is "hanging by a hair" implies that they are on the verge of losing their stability, success, or even their life. It can be used in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical, to denote a high level of risk or susceptibility.

   The phrase is commonly employed in discussions involving danger, uncertainty, or intense pressure. For instance, one might use it to describe a person who narrowly escaped an accident or a business venture that is on the brink of failure. The purpose of using this phrase is to paint a vivid picture of a critical situation that requires immediate attention or rescue.

   In essence, "to hang by a hair" represents a precarious state where a person or entity is precariously balanced and one small event or action could result in disastrous consequences.

Common Misspellings for HANG BY A HAIR

• gang by a hair
• bang by a hair
• nang by a hair
• jang by a hair
• uang by a hair
• yang by a hair
• hzng by a hair
• hsng by a hair
• hwng by a hair
• hqng by a hair
• habg by a hair
• hamg by a hair
• hajg by a hair
• hahg by a hair
• hanv by a hair
• hanb by a hair
• hanh by a hair
• hany by a hair
• hang vy a hair
• hang ny a hair

Idioms with the word HANG BY A HAIR

• hang by a hair To be in a very precarious or dangerous situation where one small mishap or mistake could have disastrous consequences.