hang (on) by a hair
hang (on) by a hair
1. Literally, to be attached only by something very thin and precarious. If that button is only hanging by a thread, you're bound to lose it during the course of the day.
2. To be perilously close to failing, dying, or resulting in a bad outcome. After the loss, their chances of getting into the championships are hanging on by a thread. Her life hung by a thread as medics rushed her to the hospital.
See also: by, hair, hang
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hang by a hair
and hang by a thread1. Lit. to hang by something very thin, such as a thread or a hair. The tiniest part of the mobile hung by a thread, the rest are on plastic cords.
2. and hang on by a hair; hang on by a thread Fig. to depend on something very insubstantial; to hang in the balance. Your whole argument is hanging by a thread. John isn't failing geometry, but his passing grade is just hanging by a hair.
See also: by, hair, hang
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- hang by a hair
- hang by a thread
- hang by a thread, to
- hang by a thread/hair
- eye of the needle
- the eye of a needle
- thread the needle
- right on the button
- ride a tiger
- at the touch of a button