hang by a thread

Given the ease in which their lower order managed to clear the ropes as the innings progressed, Rizwan's side will be ruing that slow start with their semi-final hopes already hanging by a thread.

England's hopes of regaining the Women's Ashes are hanging by a thread after suffering a heavy 86-run defeat by Australia in the third and final one-day international in Hobart.

Levels of the most significant planet-warming gas in our atmosphere rose more quickly than ever previously recorded last year, scientists say, leaving a key global climate target hanging by a thread.

He threw three head-scratching interceptions, each of which threatened to derail a Trojan offense that seemed to be hanging by a thread.

"Russia's military presence in the Middle East region is hanging by a thread," he concluded.