Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase.
On the verge.
a. On the brink of
b. At the outset of
c. In the midst of
d. Delayed

Answer 1

Hint: The idiom ‘on the verge’ is used to refer to the point when something is about or happens or the likelihood of it happening is very high.

Complete answer:
In the given question we need to find an option from the four given options that best describe the meaning of the given idiom.
To do this, let us first understand what an idiom refers to. An idiom refers to a group of words that together, as a collective, expresses a meaning that is different and varied from the literal meanings of the words that make up the idiom.
In the question, the given idiom is ‘On the verge’. It is used to express a situation where there is a high chance for something to happen or is going to happen soon. It does not refer to its literal meaning of being on the verge or edge of something.
Now, let us take a look at the given options
- Option ‘B’, at the outset of, is incorrect as it refers to something that happens from the beginning to the end.
- Option ‘C’, in the midst of, is incorrect as the idiom does not refer to being in between something, but something that is going to happen.
- Option ‘D’, delayed, is incorrect as there is no delay indicated by the idiom.

> Hence, the correct answer is option ‘A’, on the brink of, as it perfectly explains the meaning of the given idiom.

Note: It is advisable to learn a list of idioms and their meanings as this will help you to answer all kinds of questions that are related to the topic of idioms.