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Definitions

hang by a thread

VERB
risk
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compromise defy endanger imperil jeopardize
STRONG
adventure beard brave chance confront dare encounter face gamble hazard jeopardy meet menace peril plunge speculate tackle venture wager
WEAK
be caught short defy danger expose to danger go out of one's depth leap before looking leave to luck play with fire put in jeopardy run the chance run the risk skate on thin ice take a flyer take a header take a plunge take on take the liberty
Antonyms
STRONGEST
guard protect save
STRONG
avoid be careful design dodge hide neglect plan retreat run away
WEAK
be certain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

England's hopes in the second Test and the Ashes hang by a thread following an awful third day against Australia at Lord's.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2023

The trappings of a functional state — electricity, traffic lights, fuel — hang by a thread.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2021

Chile’s hopes of a World Cup place hang by a thread and, not for the first time, the thought occurs that a wonderful generation of players is collectively slowing up.

From The Guardian • Sep. 6, 2017

The Stanley Cup hopes of the Capitals, owners of the NHL’s best record in the regular season, now hang by a thread after a defeat that will be especially hard to swallow.

From Washington Post • May 4, 2016

Once he was free, everything would hang by a thread.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.