How Do You Spell HANGED BY A THREAD?

Pronunciation: [hˈaŋd ba͡ɪ ɐ θɹˈɛd] (IPA)

The phrase "hanged by a thread" is often used to describe a precarious or risky situation. The word "hanged" in this context is spelled with the letter "a" rather than "u" because it refers specifically to the act of execution by hanging. The correct pronunciation of "hanged" uses the phonetic transcription /hæŋd/ with the "a" sound as in "cat." This distinguishes it from the past tense of "hang," which is spelled and pronounced with a "u" as in /hʌŋ/.

HANGED BY A THREAD Meaning and Definition

  1. "Hanged by a thread" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a precarious or extremely vulnerable situation where something or someone's existence, success, or survival is at great risk. The phrase derives from the imagery of a thread being the only thing supporting an object or a person, leaving them just moments away from potential destruction or failure.

    This expression is typically used figuratively to describe a situation that is teetering on the brink of collapse, where the outcome is uncertain or tenuous. It signifies a state of extreme vulnerability, often highlighting the fragility and imminent danger associated with the situation. This phrase emphasizes the notion that any slight disturbance or mishap can have disastrous consequences.

    The idiom can be applied to various contexts, such as personal, professional, or even political scenarios. For instance, a business may be said to be hanged by a thread if it is experiencing financial difficulties and relying on a single deal or investment to stay afloat. Similarly, a person's reputation or livelihood can be described as hanged by a thread if they are embroiled in a scandal or facing imminent failure in their profession or personal life.

    In summary, "hanged by a thread" signifies a precarious and vulnerable situation where success, survival, or existence is at grave risk and emphasizes the delicacy and immediacy of impending failure or disaster.

Common Misspellings for HANGED BY A THREAD

  • ganged by a thread
  • banged by a thread
  • nanged by a thread
  • janged by a thread
  • uanged by a thread
  • yanged by a thread
  • hznged by a thread
  • hsnged by a thread
  • hwnged by a thread
  • hqnged by a thread
  • habged by a thread
  • hamged by a thread
  • hajged by a thread
  • hahged by a thread
  • hanfed by a thread
  • hanved by a thread
  • hanbed by a thread
  • hanhed by a thread
  • hanyed by a thread
  • hanted by a thread