edge
edge — verb
1. to move carefully and slowly in a particular direction, or to move something tha
to move carefully and slowly in a particular direction, or to move something that way, using small steps or tiny adjustments to get into a desired position.
Élise edged her chair closer to the fireplace to feel the warmth on her face.
edge + object + adverb (closer to)
The caterpillar edged slowly along the branch toward a fresh green leaf.
Samir edged his way through the crowded market, trying not to bump into anyone.
edge + possessive + way + through
Dario edged the van carefully into the narrow parking space between two cars.
transitive: edge + object + into
As the fog lifted, the fishing boat edged slowly toward the harbour entrance.
- edge closer
- edge away
- edge past
- edge towards
- edge through
- edge forward
- edge into
Grammar Patterns
edge + adverb/preposition
edge + object + adverb/preposition
edge + one's way + adverb/preposition
Usage Note
This sense nearly always appears with an adverb or prepositional phrase that shows direction — edge away, edge closer, edge past, edge towards, edge through.
Common Mistakes
2. to defeat a competitor or achieve a higher position by an extremely small amount
to defeat a competitor or achieve a higher position by an extremely small amount, especially in a race, election, game, or competition.
Chidi edged his closest rival by just two points in the final round of the quiz.
edge + opponent + by + margin
The home team edged out their opponents three goals to two in a tense match.
phrasal verb: edge out
Soraya's company edged past its main competitor to take the market lead in December.
edge past
In the hundred-metre sprint, Kevin edged ahead of Tyler right at the finish line.
- edge out
- edge past
- edge ahead
- edge by
- edge into the lead
- narrowly beat
more common in conversation: 'narrowly beat the other team'
- nip
informal, British: 'nip someone at the post' = defeat at the last moment
- pip
informal, British: 'pip someone to the post' = defeat by a tiny margin
Grammar Patterns
edge + opponent + by + margin
edge out + opponent
edge past + opponent
edge ahead of + opponent
Usage Note
Very common in sports journalism and business news. The phrasal verb 'edge out' is the most frequent form. 'Edge past' and 'edge ahead of' also appear. The margin is always small — if the gap is large, use 'beat' or 'defeat' instead.
Common Mistakes
❌ 'She edged him by just two seconds' — this is actually correct usage! Just make sure the margin is genuinely small.
3. in cricket, to strike the ball using the thin side of the bat rather than its fl
in cricket, to strike the ball using the thin side of the bat rather than its flat face, often sending it directly toward a fielder.
Mauricio edged the ball straight to the wicketkeeper and was out caught behind.
edge + ball + to + fielder position
The batsman edged a fast delivery from Salma, and the ball flew straight to the slips.
Ilan edged the ball just past the stumps for a lucky boundary through the slips.
Caleb kept edging the ball just past the stumps and was caught three times in the same match.
intransitive: kept edging
- edge to the wicketkeeper
- edge to slips
- edge behind
- edge a delivery
Grammar Patterns
edge + ball + preposition
edge + adverb
Usage Note
Almost exclusively used in cricket commentary and conversation. The edge of the bat is the thin side; hitting it there usually gives the bowler an advantage. 'Edge' in this sense is usually accidental — deliberate use of the edge is called a 'splice' or 'bottom edge.'
Common Mistakes
4. to tilt a ski so that the metal strip along its side bites into the snow surface
to tilt a ski so that the metal strip along its side bites into the snow surface, helping the skier control speed, stop, or change direction.
Mizuki edged her skis hard as she approached the steep, icy part of the slope.
edge + possessive + skis + adverb
To slow down on the descent, Renata edged both skis and carved a tight turn.
The instructor showed the beginners how to edge their skis for a clean parallel stop.
Tyler lost control because he forgot to edge into the slope on the sharp corner.
edge into the slope
- edge the skis
- edge into the slope
- edge hard
- edge a turn
- carve
a more advanced skiing technique where the edge cuts a clean arc; carving implies the turn itself, not just tilting the ski
Grammar Patterns
edge + one's skis
edge + adverb
Usage Note
Primarily used in skiing instruction and commentary. 'Edge' in this sense can be used with a direct object (edge your skis) or intransitively (edge into the slope). The noun 'edge' here refers to the metal strip on the side of the ski.
5. to form a border along the side of an area or object, or to place a material aro
to form a border along the side of an area or object, or to place a material around the outer limit of something as a decoration or boundary.
A row of tall hedges edges the garden on the western and southern sides.
active: hedges edge the garden
The old wooden mirror was edged with a thin gold frame that gleamed in the light.
passive: was edged with
Dario edged the flowerbed with small white stones he had collected from the river.
edge + object + with + material
The winding path that edges the lake is perfect for an early morning jog.
- edged with
- edged in
- edges the path
- edges the garden
Grammar Patterns
edge + object + with + material
be edged with
edge + object
Usage Note
Common in descriptive writing about gardens, architecture, and decorative objects. The passive form 'is edged with' is especially frequent: 'the plate was edged with gold,' 'the path is edged with lavender.'
Common Mistakes
edge — noun
1. where the outermost boundary of a thing or surface is found — the line at which
where the outermost boundary of a thing or surface is found — the line at which one thing stops and everything else starts, such as the rim of a cup, the side of a table, or the brink of a cliff.
Ryo placed his glass carefully on the edge of the table.
the edge of [something] for physical surfaces
The hikers walked along the edge of the cliff, well clear of the drop.
The edge of the paper was torn where João had cut it too quickly.
passive: the edge of [something] was [verb-ed]
Sofie sat at the edge of the pool, dipping her feet into the cool water.
- at the edge of
- on the edge of
- the edge of the table/cliff/road
- to the edge
Grammar Patterns
the edge of [something]
Common Mistakes
2. the thin, sharpened strip along a blade that splits material when pressed throug
the thin, sharpened strip along a blade that splits material when pressed through it — found on knives, scissors, swords, and similar tools.
Aylin carefully sharpened the edge of her kitchen knife on a stone.
the edge of [cutting tool]
The edge of this blade is so fine it can cut through rope in seconds.
Ryo ran his finger along the paper cutter's edge to test its sharpness.
along the edge of [tool] to test sharpness
Diya used the ruler's straight edge to draw a clean line on the paper.
- sharp edge
- blunt edge
- the edge of the knife/blade/sword
- along the edge
- blade
the whole flat cutting part of a knife, not just the sharp side
- cutting edge
specifically the sharpened side of a blade
- blunt side
the unsharpened back of a blade (also called the spine)
Grammar Patterns
the edge of [cutting tool]
Usage Note
This sense is most common when describing knives, scissors, swords, and cutting tools. For non-cutting sharp edges on surfaces (e.g. broken glass, metal sheets), use this sense as well.
Common Mistakes
3. the moment immediately preceding a major change or event, often something risky
the moment immediately preceding a major change or event, often something risky or alarming — for example, being on the verge of a crisis or a breakthrough.
The company was on the edge of bankruptcy when the new manager arrived.
on the edge of [negative event]
João felt he was on the edge of a breakthrough after months of work.
The two countries stood on the edge of war after the border dispute turned violent.
stood on the edge of [serious event]
Zola's team was on the edge of victory with only one goal still needed.
- on the edge of
- on the edge of war/bankruptcy/collapse
- on the edge of victory/discovery
Grammar Patterns
on the edge of [something]
Usage Note
Used almost exclusively in the pattern 'on the edge of + noun phrase'. The noun phrase is often something dramatic — crisis, collapse, discovery, breakthrough.
Common Mistakes
4. a point of emotional collapse where a person can no longer cope with stress, sad
a point of emotional collapse where a person can no longer cope with stress, sadness, or pressure — used in the phrase 'over the edge' meaning past the limit of self-control.
The constant criticism from his manager finally pushed Christopher over the edge.
push [someone] over the edge
The loss of her home in the fire nearly sent Noa over the edge.
send [someone] over the edge
Aylin's friends noticed the stress was pushing her close to the edge.
close to the edge
The long court case had brought the family to the edge of emotional collapse.
- push over the edge
- send over the edge
- drive over the edge
- close to the edge
- breaking point
the moment someone can no longer handle pressure
- limit
the maximum amount of stress someone can take
Grammar Patterns
push/send/drive [someone] over the edge
Usage Note
This sense only appears in the fixed construction 'over the edge' or 'to the edge' with verbs like push, send, drive, or bring. The 'edge' here is a mental breaking point. Do not use it without those trigger verbs.
Common Mistakes
5. a small but meaningful advantage over someone else, especially in a competitive
a small but meaningful advantage over someone else, especially in a competitive situation such as business, sports, or exams.
Her university degree gave her an edge over other job applicants.
an edge over [competitors]
The team's extra fitness training gave them a competitive edge in the final match.
a competitive edge
Yuki's ability to speak three languages gives her a clear edge in the travel industry.
The company has managed to maintain its edge over competitors for many years.
maintain [its/the] edge over [competitors]
- an/the edge over
- a competitive edge
- have/get/give an edge
- maintain an edge
- advantage
broader term; can be any kind of benefit, not necessarily small
- upper hand
informal; the position of control in a competition
- disadvantage
a condition that makes success less likely
Grammar Patterns
[have/get/gain] an/the edge [over/on] [someone/something]
Usage Note
Commonly followed by 'over' or 'on' to specify the rival. 'Edge' in this sense is always a singular noun — do not pluralize it. Typical verbs: have, get, gain, give, keep, maintain, lose.
Common Mistakes
6. a sharp, hard quality in a person's voice that reveals annoyance, anger, or impa
a sharp, hard quality in a person's voice that reveals annoyance, anger, or impatience.
There was an edge in Esme's voice when she talked about the unfair decision.
an edge in [someone's] voice
Matthew could hear a sharp edge in his manager's tone as the deadline approached.
Anong's voice had a cold edge that made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
a [adjective] edge — cold/hard/sarcastic edge
The teacher's voice carried an edge of impatience when she repeated the instructions.
an edge of [emotion]
- an edge in [someone's] voice/tone
- a sharp/hard/cold edge
- an edge of impatience/anger
- warmth
a friendly, kind quality in someone's voice
Grammar Patterns
[a/the] edge in [someone's] voice/tone
Usage Note
Often modified by adjectives: cold edge, hard edge, sharp edge, sarcastic edge. The edge can be in someone's voice, tone, or words. This sense is typically singular.
Common Mistakes
7. in a nervous, tense, or worried state, often because something unpleasant is abo
in a nervous, tense, or worried state, often because something unpleasant is about to happen or because you are under pressure
The whole team was on edge before the final match of the season.
phrase: on edge
Anjali's constant tapping on the desk put everyone else in the room on edge.
Tariq had been on edge all week waiting for the hospital to call.
With the deadline only hours away, even calm Felipe began to feel on edge.
collocation: feel on edge
The loud arguments next door made Madison feel jumpy and on edge.
- on edge
- feel on edge
- put someone on edge
- keep someone on edge
- set someone's nerves on edge
- jumpy and on edge
- tense
broader — can describe muscles, atmosphere, or a person; 'on edge' specifically links to irritation and anticipation
- jumpy
more informal and physical, emphasizing a startled response to small noises or movements
- irritable
focuses on the tendency to become angry or annoyed easily, without the 'waiting' element
Grammar Patterns
be on edge
feel on edge
put/keep someone on edge
Usage Note
Used almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'on edge' after verbs like 'be', 'feel', 'put', 'keep', and 'set'. Unlike 'nervous', it often carries a feeling of irritable tension caused by waiting or by an uncomfortable situation.
Common Mistakes
8. a quality of being exciting, slightly unconventional, or ahead of current trends
a quality of being exciting, slightly unconventional, or ahead of current trends, especially in fashion, art, or entertainment, that makes something stand out and provoke strong reactions
Mira wanted her clothing line to have an edge that would attract young buyers.
Noa felt the film lacked the bold edge of the director's earlier work.
The artist's bold style gave the exhibition a fresh and exciting edge.
collocation: give [sth] an edge
Élise admired the magazine's reporting for its bold, provocative edge on social issues.
- an edge
- a sharp edge
- a rebellious edge
- a competitive edge
- lack edge
- give something an edge
- have an edge
- blandness
dullness, lack of distinctive character
- conventionality
strict adherence to accepted norms or styles, the opposite of edgy innovation
Grammar Patterns
have an edge
lack edge
give [sth] an edge
[noun] has (a) [adjective] edge
Usage Note
Often modified by an adjective (bold edge, sharp edge, rebellious edge) that describes the specific kind of quality. The related adjective 'edgy' (sense 8a) is more common in everyday speech; the noun form 'edge' tends to appear in reviews and cultural commentary.
Common Mistakes
9. in cricket, a shot in which the ball is struck by the thin side of the bat rathe
in cricket, a shot in which the ball is struck by the thin side of the bat rather than the flat face, often travelling in an unexpected direction
The wicketkeeper dived to his right and caught the ball from a fine edge.
A thin edge flew past the slip fielders and raced towards the boundary.
cricket term: thin edge
Eri was disappointed when his edge was caught by the wicketkeeper.
The bowler celebrated as the edge was caught in the slips.
- thin edge
- fine edge
- faint edge
- take an edge
- catch an edge
- fly off the edge
- edge to the wicketkeeper
Grammar Patterns
[adjective] edge
catch/take an edge
a fine/thin edge
take the edge off
idiomto make something unpleasant or intense less strong or severe, such as hunger, pain, anxiety, or disappointment.
João ate a sandwich to take the edge off his hunger before the long meeting.
A short walk in the park helped take the edge off Noa's anxiety about the exam.
very excited, interested, or tense while watching or listening to something, because you are eager to find out what happens next.
The thriller movie had everyone on the edge of their seats until the final scene.
The children were on the edge of their seats as the magician pulled a rabbit from the hat.
be on edge
idiomTo feel nervous, excited, or easily annoyed.
Maya was on edge before her big presentation at work.
Why is Brian so on edge today? Did something happen?
To be in a very risky situation where one small mistake can cause disaster.
The rescue team was on the razor's edge during the storm.
With the economy so fragile, many businesses are on a razor edge.
To begin to break apart or fail, often gradually.
Their friendship started to fray at the edges after the argument.
The old building is fraying around the seams and needs repairs.
To cause someone to lose control of their emotions or behavior, often after a series of events.
The constant criticism from her boss pushed Sara over the edge.
Losing his keys was the final thing that pushed Diego to the edge.
To have small imperfections or parts that are not yet polished or perfect.
The singer's performance still has some rough edges to smooth out.
Although he is talented, his social skills are rough around the edges.
To make someone feel physically uncomfortable or annoyed.
The sound of nails on a chalkboard sets my teeth on edge.
Her constant humming sets Aiden's teeth on edge during class.
To make something less intense, severe, or unpleasant.
A warm cup of tea took the edge off the cold morning.
He ate a snack to take the edge off his hunger before dinner.
To be very close to a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
The company is teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
After the argument, their relationship teetered on the brink of collapse.
Word family
- edgyadjectiveB2
- edginessnounC1
- edgingnounB2
- edgedadjectiveB2
- edgewaysadverbC1
- edgewiseadverbC1
- edgernounC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
Edge is the most general word for the outermost limit of a thing — where the object ends and something else begins (the edge of the table, the edge of a cliff). Border suggests a dividing line between two areas or territories, often marked or officially recognised (the border between countries). Rim is reserved for round or curved openings: the rim of a cup, a glass, a wheel, or a crater. Margin originally meant the blank edge of a page, but now also describes a boundary or a small difference in amount (profit margin, safety margin). Brink is mostly figurative: it means the very edge of something dramatic or dangerous (on the brink of war, on the brink of collapse) and strongly implies an imminent event. In practice, edge, brink, and verge overlap in figurative usage, but brink is preferred for crisis situations while verge works for emotional states (on the verge of tears). For the verb meaning 'move slowly,' edge is the everyday word (edge closer), inch is even slower and more careful (inch forward), and creep adds a sense of stealth or quietness (creep up behind). The idiom 'on edge' — meaning nervous or irritable — is unrelated to these boundary synonyms and functions as a fixed phrase.
Common collocations
Etymology
Edge comes from Old English ecg, meaning 'the sharp side of a blade' or 'the corner of an object.' It traces back to Proto-Germanic *agjō and further to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂eḱ- ('sharp, pointed'), which also gave us Latin acies ('sharp edge, battle line') and Greek akē ('point, sharpness'). The sense of 'advantage' emerged in 19th-century American English, possibly from the idea of having the sharp edge of a weapon on your side. The idiom 'on edge' (nervous, irritable) dates from the early 1800s, likening a person's tense state to a blade that is ready to cut. 'Cutting edge' as a metaphor for the most advanced position appeared in the 1950s.