"On verge" is a commonly used English phrase meaning "close to" or "almost at." It is spelled in English using the letters o, n, v, e, r, g, and e. The phonetic transcription of the sounds in "on verge" is /ɒn/ /vɜːdʒ/, with the first syllable containing the vowel sound of "lot" and the second syllable containing a long "er" sound followed by a "j" or "zh" sound. This phonetic transcription can assist those learning English with proper pronunciation.
On the verge is an idiomatic expression that implies being at the edge or very close to a particular state or situation. It refers to a point where something is about to happen or is on the brink of occurring. This phrase conveys a sense of imminent action or change.
When someone or something is on the verge, they are standing at the threshold, about to cross over into a new circumstance or experience. It denotes a state of anticipation or expectation, often accompanied by a sense of tension or excitement.
Additionally, the phrase can also depict a state of being on the edge of something negative or undesirable, like being on the verge of tears or on the verge of bankruptcy. In such instances, it suggests one is near a breaking point or reaching an extreme.
The concept of being on the verge can apply to various aspects of life, including personal, professional, or emotional situations. It connotes that there is an imminent change or development about to take place, whether positive or negative, and creates an atmosphere of building anticipation or apprehension.
The phrase "on the verge" is derived from Middle English, specifically from the word "verge". The term "verge" originally referred to a rod or wand carried as a symbol of authority or office. Over time, it also came to represent the boundary or edge of something, such as a piece of land or territory.
In the figurative sense, "on the verge" emerged during the late 16th century, signifying a state of being on the brink or edge of something, such as an event or situation. This usage developed from the perception that one was standing at the boundary or turning point of an action or outcome, about to transition from one state to another. The expression is widely used today to convey the idea of being very close to an imminent change or happening.