knife edge

• Situation ou position extrêmement tendue, critique ou incertaine, où l'issue peut être indécise, souvent associée à un grand risque ou danger. Peut aussi désigner le bord tranchant d'une lame.

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.

   situation de couteau

   • 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.

   ligne de partage très fine

   • 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.