am seidenen Faden
Translation
by a thread, hanging by a thread
Examples
Sein Leben hing am seidenen Faden.
His life hung by a thread.
Die Verhandlungen hängen am seidenen Faden.
The negotiations are hanging by a thread.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) hangs by a thread (sth.) is in a very precarious situation His life hung by a thread.
Similar Words
Synonyms: auf Messers Schneide stehen (to be on a knife's edge), in Gefahr sein (to be in danger); Antonyms: in Sicherheit sein (to be safe)
Etymology
Literally 'on the silken (seidenen) thread (Faden)'. The image is of something valuable hanging by a thin, easily broken silk thread.
Memory Tips
Visualize a heavy weight hanging from a single, thin, silken thread ('seidenen Faden'). It's a very precarious and unstable situation.