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Region: General | Usage example: She enjoys living on the edge with extreme sports.

Living on the edge

Meaning

Engaging in risky behavior.

Usage

Used for adventurous lifestyles.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The edge of danger symbolizes riskiness.

Popularized in the 1980s and 1990s media.

Related Idioms

Blow the whistle

Report illicit or unethical behavior.

On thin ice

In a precarious or risky situation.

Skating on thin ice

Doing something risky

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.