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

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

I remember thinking, I’m like on the ragged edge of sanity.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 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

My tongue felt the ragged edge of a broken tooth.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson