On the verge of death
Meaning
To be extremely close to dying, often implying a critical or perilous state of health.
Origin
The word "verge" journeys back to the Latin virga, meaning "rod" or "twig," which later entered Old French as verge to denote a boundary or an edge, often a border along a path or field. By the 16th century, English had adopted "verge" to describe a literal brink or limit, giving us the image of standing precariously at a significant boundary. The phrase "on the verge of death" powerfully extends this concept to the ultimate human boundary. It paints a vivid picture of a soul teetering on the very last sliver of life, poised to cross into the unknown, a natural and striking metaphor for life's fragile edge.
Examples
- After the severe accident, the patient was on the verge of death for several days, requiring constant medical attention.
- The old tree, battered by years of storms and disease, looked to be on the verge of death, its branches brittle and bare.