brink
noun [ S ] uk/brɪŋk/ us/brɪŋk/
C2 （事情发生的）边缘;始发点
the point where a new or different situation is about to begin
Extreme stress had driven him to the brink of a nervous breakdown. 极大的压力使他处于精神崩溃的边缘。
Scientists are on the brink of (= extremely close to) a major new discovery. 科学家们就快有新的重大发现了。
literary（峭壁、崖的）边缘
the edge of a cliff or other high area
She was standing right on the brink of the gorge. 她就站在峡谷的边缘。
- More examples
- These countries are on the brink of a disastrous famine.
- Many companies are on the brink of ruin.
- Negotiations between the two countries are on the brink of collapse.
- What we are seeing now is a country teetering on the brink of civil war.
- Not long ago the river otter was on the brink of extinction.