hang by a thread

1. Also, hang by a hair. Be in a risky or unstable situation, as in His promotion was hanging by a thread, or With the lead actor sick, the success of our play hung by a hair. This expression, already proverbial in the early 1500s, alludes to Damocles, who vexed King Dionysius with constant flattery. The king invited him to a banquet where Damocles found himself seated under a naked sword suspended by a single hair, symbolizing his insecure position at the court.

Example Sentences

Players who don't have the manager's back might not strain every last sinew when they know his job is hanging by a thread.

From BBC

The prime minister denied his leadership was "hanging by a thread" amidst reports the Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham is preparing a leadership challenge.

From BBC

In virtually every case, they are sinking in the polls and facing incoming fire from all directions, and now seem to hang by a thread over a dark electoral abyss.

From Salon

Their chances of making the quarter-finals are hanging by a thread, with Canada and Scotland very much in the driving seat to progress from Pool B.

From BBC

The brick and wrought-iron balconies were twisted in the blast, some hanging by a thread.

From BBC

Related Words

• compromise 
• defy 
• endanger 
• imperil 
• jeopardize