on the brink of

• IPA^(key): /ɒn ðə brɪŋk əv/

on the brink of

1. Very near, imminently approaching; ready to, about to.

   The old building seemed to be on the brink of collapse.

   • 1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide:

     So in a week's time she was beginning to hearken to her mother when she spoke of incantations and charms for restoring love. She kenned it was sin, but though not seven days syne she had sat at the Lord's table, so strong is love in a young heart that she was on the very brink of it.