1 edge
Pronounced:
/ˈɛʤ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural edg·esMeaning:
[count] 1 : the line or part where an object or area begins or ends ▪ They peered over the edge of the roof. ▪ The fabric was frayed at the edge. ▪ He made us all nervous by standing so close to the edge of the cliff. ▪ We sat at the water's edge. [=where the water touched the land] ▪ She sat on the edge of the counter, swinging her legs.
2 a : the part of a blade that cuts ▪ the edge of an ax ▪ a razor's edge b : the sharpness of a blade ▪ This knife has no edge. [=this knife is not sharp]
3 a : a harsh or unkind quality ▪ His voice/comments had a sarcastic/sardonic edge. b : force or effectiveness ▪ Her writing seem to have lost its edge. ▪ These amendments will blunt the edge of the legislation.
4 : an advantage over others ▪ Our experience gave us an/the edge. ▪ You need to get/gain an edge on your competition. ▪ The company still has/holds an edge over its competitors. ▪ a competitive edge —see also cutting edge, leading edge
2 a : the part of a blade that cuts ▪ the edge of an ax ▪ a razor's edge b : the sharpness of a blade ▪ This knife has no edge. [=this knife is not sharp]
3 a : a harsh or unkind quality ▪ His voice/comments had a sarcastic/sardonic edge. b : force or effectiveness ▪ Her writing seem to have lost its edge. ▪ These amendments will blunt the edge of the legislation.
4 : an advantage over others ▪ Our experience gave us an/the edge. ▪ You need to get/gain an edge on your competition. ▪ The company still has/holds an edge over its competitors. ▪ a competitive edge —see also cutting edge, leading edge
close to the edge or on the edge
◊Someone who lives (life) on the edge or lives close to the edge often deals with dangerous situations and takes many risks. ▪ He likes to live on the edge.
on edge
: feeling nervous : not calm or relaxed ▪ She was on edge [=edgy] before her exam. = Her nerves were on edge before her exam.
on the edge of
: very close to (something) ▪ a species on the edge of extinction ▪ The company was teetering on the edge of disaster/bankruptcy. ▪ They were poised on the edge of success. ▪ He was on the edge of saying something when the phone rang.
on the edge of your seat
◊If you are on the edge of your seat, you are watching or listening to something with great interest especially because you do not know what is going to happen. ▪ It's a thrilling movie that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
on the ragged edge —see ragged
over the edge
: into a mental or emotional state that makes someone completely lose control ▪ His friends worried that the news might send/drive/push him over the edge.
razor/razor's edge —see razor
set your teeth on edge —see tooth
take the edge off
: to make (something) weaker or less severe ▪ a medication that takes the edge off the pain ▪ A glass of milk will take the edge off your hunger/appetite. [=will make you feel less hungry]
—edged /ˈɛʤd/ adjective ▪ an edged weapon [=a weapon with a sharp edge, such as a sword or knife] —see also two-edged
/ˈɛʤd/ adjective ▪ an edged weapon [=a weapon with a sharp edge, such as a sword or knife] —see also two-edged