knife edge

• حالة أو موقف شديد التوتر أو الخطر أو عدم اليقين، يكون فيه النتيجة غير محسومة ويمكن أن تميل إلى أي من الاتجاهين، وغالباً ما يرتبط بمخاطرة كبيرة. وتُستعمل أيضاً للإشارة إلى حدّ الفصل الدقيق أو الوضع الهش بين أمرين.

A situation or position that is extremely tense, critical, or uncertain, where the outcome could go either way, often involving great risk or danger.

1. Critical or tense situationB2informal

   A situation that is extremely tense, uncertain, or finely balanced between success and failure.

   وضع حرج أو متوتر

   • The election result is on a knife edge.
   • His career is balanced on a knife edge after the scandal.
   • The negotiations were on a knife edge until the final hour.

2. Sharp dividing lineC1formal

   A very narrow or precise boundary between two states or conditions.

   حد السكين

   • The difference between genius and madness is often a knife edge.
   • The company is walking a knife edge between profit and bankruptcy.
   • The decision rests on a knife edge of public opinion.