ragged edge

American  

noun

1. the brink, as of a cliff.

2. any extreme edge; verge.

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idioms

1. on the ragged edge, in a dangerous or precarious position; on the verge or brink of.

   on the ragged edge of despair.

Etymology

Origin of ragged edge

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ragged edge

The last few years I've been off balance, right on the ragged edge of my technique where that if I have to push a little bit more, I lose it.

From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2024

But this sleek atmosphere conceals a ragged edge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2023

A few cabins were peeking over the ragged edge, as if waiting for high tide to jump into the ocean.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 28, 2023

In her Curtiss biplane, she sat out in front of the engine, as one spectator said, “On the ragged edge of nothing.”

From Washington Post ● Jan. 6, 2019

On the ragged edge, a neat person had printed in blue ink, “P.A.” and the year the actor, dancer, or musician had graduated.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago