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  1. 28-Nov-2006, 23:16 #1
    dinha
    dinha is offline Junior Member
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    Question hang by a thread

    What does " hang by a thred" mean ?

    Thanks!
  2. 28-Nov-2006, 23:23 #2
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    MikeNewYork
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    Default Re: hang by a thread

    Quote Originally Posted by dinha View Post
    What does " hang by a thred" mean ?

    Thanks!
    It means that something is in jeopardy, a thread being a very weak supporting device.

    John's job is hanging by a thread.
  3. 29-Nov-2006, 03:11 #3
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    curmudgeon
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    Default Re: hang by a thread

    It originates from mythology when Dionysius, in order to show the precariousness of rank and power, gave a banquet and had a sword suspended above the head of Damocles by a single hair. Hence the expression "the sword of Damocles" to mean an ever-present peril. Thus the expression 'hanging by a thread'
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