teeter

• Nom désignant une planche en équilibre sur un support, sur laquelle des enfants, assis aux extrémités opposées, montent et descendent alternativement.

A noun referring to a plaything consisting of a board balanced on a fulcrum, ridden up and down by children at either end.

1. Playground equipmentA2informal

   A long board balanced on a central pivot, used by children to ride up and down by pushing off the ground with their feet.

   balançoire à bascule

   • The children laughed as they played on the teeter in the park.
   • She pushed off the ground to lift her friend on the teeter.
   • The old teeter in the playground needed repairs.

   Synonymesseesawteeter-totterteeterboard

• Verbe décrivant un mouvement instable ou un équilibre précaire, comme si l'on allait tomber, ou le fait de se trouver dans une situation risquée ou indécise.

A verb used to describe the act of moving or balancing unsteadily, as if about to fall, or to be in a precarious situation.

1. Move unsteadilyB2formal

   To move in an unsteady or wobbling manner, often with a rocking motion.

   chanceler

   • The toddler teetered across the room before falling.
   • The old chair teetered dangerously under his weight.
   • She teetered on the edge of the cliff, trying to keep her balance.

   Synonymeslurchreelrockstaggerswaytotterwobble

2. Be on the verge of collapseB2formal

   To be in a precarious or unstable situation, close to failing or falling.

   être au bord de l'effondrement

   • The company is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
   • The peace talks teetered between success and failure.
   • His health teetered after the long illness.

   Synonymesfalterflounderhang by a threadtotterwaverwobble