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.
The idiom "on the cusp" has two primary meanings:
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.
"He was always on the cusp between two states."
—an excerpt from the novel of Charles Dickens in 1843.
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:
Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:
Here are some similar expressions for this idiom:
Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:
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 "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.
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."
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
