Meaning & use
on a ledge
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Resting or positioned on a narrow, flat shelf that sticks out from a wall, cliff, or other surface.
Grammar: Used after be or a verb of position: The cat was on a ledge.
Patterns
- be on a ledge
- stand on a ledge
- sit on a ledge
- perch on a ledge
The cat sat on a ledge outside the kitchen window, watching the birds.
Workers balanced on a ledge high above the street while repairing the building.
A small plant stood on a ledge near the top of the stairs.
phrasefixed phrasefigurative
In a dangerously unstable position, especially at the edge of a high place.
Grammar: Often used with be or find yourself to suggest risk rather than a physical shelf.
Patterns
- be on a ledge
- find yourself on a ledge
After losing his job, he felt like he was on a ledge with no way back.
The climber was on a ledge, unable to move up or down.
Common combinations
- narrow ledge
- The bird built its nest on a narrow ledge.
- high ledge
- Don't lean over the high ledge.
- window ledge
- She left the keys on the window ledge.
- rock ledge
- They rested on a rock ledge halfway up the mountain.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- ledged adjective
- Having a ledge or ledges.
Commonly confused: on a ledge or on edge?
on a ledge vs on edge
On edge means nervous or tense, not physically on a shelf. 'She was on edge before the exam' means she felt anxious.
Practice
The cat was sitting ___ the window ledge, watching the rain.
Choose one answer.
We use 'on' for a surface like a ledge. 'In' would mean inside something, 'at' points to a location but not the surface, and 'by' only means nearby, not resting on it.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on a ledge”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.