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Old 28-Nov-2006, 23:16
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Question hang by a thread

What does " hang by a thred" mean ?

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Old 28-Nov-2006, 23:23
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Default Re: hang by a thread

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

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

John's job is hanging by a thread.
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Old 29-Nov-2006, 03:11
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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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