On the Cusp: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
January 23, 2023

The idiom "on the cusp" means to be at a point of transition or change, especially between two states, stages, or conditions. It can also mean being very close to achieving or experiencing something. The idiom often describes uncertain, unpredictable, or exciting situations.

In short:

  • It means to be at a point of transition or change.
  • It can also mean being very close to something.

What Does "On the Cusp" Mean?

The idiom "on the cusp" has two primary meanings:

  • To be at a point of transition or change, especially between two states, stages, or conditions. For example, someone "on the cusp" of adulthood is about to become an adult.
  • To be very close to achieving or experiencing something, usually desirable or positive. For example, someone "on the cusp" of a breakthrough is about to make a significant discovery or invention.

Where Does "On the Cusp" Come From?

The idiom "on the cusp" originates from astrology, which refers to the position of a planet or other celestial body at the boundary between two adjacent zodiac signs. It was not until the 19th century that it was used figuratively to describe situations or people at a point of transition or change.

Historical Example

"He was always on the cusp between two states."

—an excerpt from the novel of Charles Dickens in 1843.

10 Examples of "On the Cusp" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • Oh, snap. They are on the cusp of war with their neighboring country.
  • No diggity. He is on the cusp of becoming a star after his latest performance.
  • She felt she was on the cusp with him, but he didn't court her. That's too bad.
  • She was on the cusp of happiness when she met him. She's in love at first sight.
  • Way to go! They are on the cusp of a significant breakthrough in their research.
  • He was on the cusp of something big when he got injured and had to quit his career.
  • He was on the cusp between staying loyal to his friends and betraying them for money.
  • She was born on the cusp of Leo and Virgo, so she has a mix of fire and earth qualities.
  • They were on the cusp of a new era when they launched their revolutionary product. Great job!
  • She was on the cusp of tears when she learned about her brother's passing. It was a black day for her.

Examples of "On the Cusp" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:

  • In the movie Back to the Future, Marty McFly travels back to 1955, where he meets his parents, who are "on the cusp" of falling in love.
  • In the TV show Stranger Things, the main characters are "on the cusp" of adolescence and face supernatural threats in their small town.
  • In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is "on the cusp" of adulthood and struggles with his alienation and identity.
  • In the podcast Serial, Sarah Koenig investigates a murder case "on the cusp" of being reopened or closed forever.
  • In the anime Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki is "on the cusp" of fulfilling his dream of becoming Hokage and saving his friend Sasuke from darkness.

Other Ways to Say "On the Cusp"

Here are some similar expressions for this idiom:

  • On the eve
  • On the edge
  • On the verge
  • On the brink
  • On the point
  • On the threshold

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "On the Cusp"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "on the cusp" mean?

The idiom "on the cusp" means to be at a point of transition or change, especially between two states, stages, or conditions. It can also mean being very close to achieving or experiencing something.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "on the cusp"?

The idiom "on the cusp" originates from astrology, which refers to the position of a planet or other celestial body at the boundary between two adjacent zodiac signs. It was not until the 19th century that it was used figuratively to describe situations or people at a point of transition or change.

  • What are some synonyms for "on the cusp"?

Some synonyms for "on the cusp" are "on the eve," "on the edge," "on the verge," "on the brink," "on the point," and "on the threshold."

  • Is "on the cusp" always positive?

No, "on the cusp" can describe positive and negative situations, depending on the context and tone. For example, someone "on the cusp" of success may be happy and optimistic, while someone "on the cusp" of disaster may be worried and fearful.

  • What part of speech is "on the cusp"?

"On the cusp" is a prepositional phrase that acts as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by describing how, when, where, or why something happens.

  • What does it mean to be born "on the cusp"?

To be born "on the cusp" means to be delivered when the sun moves from one sign of the zodiac to another. This usually happens around the 19th to 23rd of each month. People born "on the cusp" are said to have traits of both signs between them.

  • What does it mean to be "on the cusp" of a new era?

To be "on the cusp" of a new era means living in a time of significant historical change or significance. It implies that something new and different is about to happen or has just happened that will affect society, culture, politics, technology, or other aspects of life.

  • What does it mean to be "on the cusp" with someone?

Being "on the cusp" means having a close or intimate relationship with someone, usually in a romantic or sexual sense. It implies a strong attraction or connection between the two people and that they are either about to start a relationship or already in one.

  • Is "on the cusp" a metaphor?

Yes, "on the cusp" is a metaphor that compares being at a point of transition or change to being at the edge or boundary of something. A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to describe another unrelated but has some similarity or connection. For example, saying that someone is "on the cusp of fame" is a metaphor that compares being very close to becoming famous to being at the edge or boundary of fame.

  • How do you use "on the cusp" in a question?

To use "on the cusp" in a question, you need to follow the same rules as using it in a sentence but add a question mark at the end. You can also use words like "who," what," when," where," why," or "how" to start the question.

Example: What are you on the cusp of achieving?

Final Thoughts About "On the Cusp"

The idiom "on the cusp" is a valuable and versatile expression that can describe various situations or people who are at a point of transition or change or are very close to something. It can convey uncertainty, anticipation, or excitement depending on context and tone.

Some key points to remember about this idiom:

  • It originates from astrology, which refers to the position of a planet or other celestial body at the boundary between two adjacent zodiac signs.
  • It can be used in various forms of popular culture, such as music, literature, and film.
  • It has some synonyms that have similar meanings.

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