prec·i·pice 
/ˈprɛsəpəs/ noun
plural prec·i·pic·es /ˈprɛsəpəs/ noun [count] 1 : a very steep side of a mountain or cliff
▪ He stood on the edge of the precipice. 2 : a point where danger, trouble, or difficulty begins — usually singular ▪ He is on the precipice of a midlife crisis. ▪ The company is now on the edge of a precipice. [=the company is close to a very bad or dangerous situation]
▪ He stood on the edge of the precipice.
