Meaning & Definition of word "Brink"
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Brink
/brɪŋk/
noun:
- 1. The edge or border of a steep place.
- Example: He stood at the brink of the cliff, looking down at the raging sea below.
- 2. A critical point or threshold; an approach to a crucial or decisive moment.
- Example: The company was on the brink of bankruptcy after the financial crisis.
- 3. The verge or threshold of something, often implying an imminent change or event.
- Example: She was on the brink of a breakthrough in her research.
Etymology
Middle English brincke, possibly from Old Norse brúnk meaning 'edge', 'brink'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
on the brink:
At the point of a significant change or event.
brink of disaster:
Close to a disastrous situation.
brink of collapse:
At the point of falling apart or failing.
Related Words
verge:
An edge or border.
cliff:
A steep rock face.
threshold:
The level or point at which something starts.
Slang Meanings of brink
Meaning: On the edge of something exciting or risky.
Example Sentence: We're on the brink of something big, just wait and see!
Meaning: Close to a breaking point.
Example Sentence: He's been under so much stress, he's on the brink.