# hang by a thread

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To be in danger, calling for precise caution; to be in a precarious situation.

## Etymology
An allusion to the anecdotal sword of Damocles, which was suspended by a hair.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/hang-by-a-thread