verge (up)on (something)
verge (up)on (something)
1. Literally, to be positioned next to something. France verges upon Spain to the south. That shed definitely verges on our property.
2. To approach or be very similar to some state, condition, action, etc. Be careful, some sections of this paper are verging on plagiarism. Her snide comments verged upon insult.
See also: verge
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
verge (up)on something
to be almost identical to something; to be similar to or almost the same as something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your actions verge upon mutiny. What you said verges on an insult.
See also: on, verge
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
verge on
1. Approach, come close to, as in Her ability verges on genius. [Early 1800s]
2. Be on the edge or border of, as in Our property verges on conservation land. [Late 1700s]
See also: on, verge
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
verge on
v.
1. To be on the edge or border of something: The park verges on the neighboring town.
2. To approach the nature or condition of something; come close to something: Their confidence verges on arrogance.
See also: on, verge
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- verge on
- border
- border (up)on (something)
- border on
- be in the spotlight
- in the spotlight
- in/under the spotlight
- spotlight
- butt (up) against (someone or something)
- butte