Hang by a Thread – Idiom of the Day for IELTS Speaking

Hang by a Thread – Idiom of the Day

Definition: If a serious situation hangs by a thread, it means that even a slight change can decide what will happen and that a bad result such as death, failure, etc. is likely

Examples :

• Henry is in critical condition. His life is hanging by a thread since the success rate of a surgery is 50-50.
• National security has hung by the thread since the public disclosure of highly confidential documents last year.
• She has made an allegation of corruption and sexism against the company and now her job is hanging by the thread.

[do_widget id=custom_html-25]

Be in critical condition: very sick or injured and likely to die

Security (n): the activities involved in protecting a country, building or person against attack, danger, etc.

Success rate: the fraction or percentage of success among a number of attempts

Disclosure (n): the act of making something known or public that was previously secret or private

Confidential (a): meant to be kept secret and not told to or shared with other people

Allegation (n): a public statement that is made without giving proof, accusing somebody of doing something that is wrong or illegal

Corruption (n): dishonest or illegal behaviour, especially of people in authority

Sexism (n): the unfair treatment of people, especially women, because of their sex; the attitude that causes this

Also check : 

• IELTS Speaking
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking