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verge

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on the verge (of doing something)

 and on the verge of something

at the very beginning of doing something; just about to do something. Bill was on the verge of leaving town when he found a job. Susan was on the verge of laughter, so she left the lecture hall.

See also: on, verge

verge into something

to change gradually into something. The reds verged into a violet color that seemed to glow. The cool morning verged imperceptibly into a steamy midday.

See also: verge

verge (up)on something

to be almost identical to something; to be similar to or almost the same as something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Your actions verge upon mutiny. What you said verges on an insult.

See also: on, verge

on the verge of doing something

almost doing or experiencing something He was on the verge of making a comment but stopped, realizing it would be a mistake.

See also: of, on, verge

on the verge of

Close to, on the brink of, as in I was on the verge of calling the doctor when he suddenly got better, or Sara was on the verge of tears when she heard the news. This term uses verge in the sense of "the brink or border of something." [Mid-1800s]

See also: of, on, verge

verge on

1. Approach, come close to, as in Her ability verges on genius. [Early 1800s]

2. Be on the edge or border of, as in Our property verges on conservation land. [Late 1700s]

See also: on, verge

verge on

v.

1. To be on the edge or border of something: The park verges on the neighboring town.

2. To approach the nature or condition of something; come close to something: Their confidence verges on arrogance.

See also: on, verge