Meaning & use
cliff's edge
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
the very edge of a high, steep rock face, often a dangerous place
Grammar: Used with at, on, or near: Don't stand at the cliff's edge.
Patterns
- at the cliff's edge
- on the cliff's edge
- near the cliff's edge
- the cliff's edge
We stood at the cliff's edge and looked down at the sea.
Be careful near the cliff's edge; it's very steep.
The path leads right to the cliff's edge.
phrasefixed phrasefigurative
a situation that is very risky or close to disaster
Grammar: Often used with on or at: The company is on the cliff's edge of bankruptcy.
Patterns
- on the cliff's edge of something
- at the cliff's edge of something
After the bad investment, the company was on the cliff's edge of ruin.
Their marriage was at the cliff's edge, but they worked things out.
Common combinations
- at the cliff's edge
- They took a photo at the cliff's edge.
- on the cliff's edge
- The goat stood on the cliff's edge.
- near the cliff's edge
- Don't go too near the cliff's edge.
- the cliff's edge of disaster
- The economy was on the cliff's edge of disaster.
Synonyms and how they differ
Commonly confused: cliff's edge or cliff edge?
cliff's edge vs cliff edge
Cliff edge is the same meaning but without the possessive 's; both are used, but 'cliff's edge' emphasizes the edge belonging to the cliff.
Practice
The hikers stopped ______ the cliff's edge to admire the view.
Choose one answer.
The correct preposition is 'at' to indicate a specific point: 'at the cliff's edge'. 'In' would mean inside the cliff, which is impossible. 'On' is sometimes used but 'at' is more precise for a point.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cliff's edge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.