The extreme edge of land before a steep slope or cliff; metaphorically, the point at which something is about to happen, especially something dangerous or exciting.
From Middle English, possibly from Middle Dutch 'brinc' meaning 'edge' or 'border'. Related to Old Norse 'brekka' (slope). The metaphorical sense of being on the edge of disaster or change developed from the literal meaning of a dangerous cliff edge.
The phrase 'brink of disaster' became particularly prominent during the Cold War era of 'brinkmanship' - the practice of pushing dangerous situations to the edge of disaster to achieve favorable outcomes. Ecologically, many species are described as being 'on the brink of extinction,' with the California condor being a famous example that was pulled back from having only 27 birds remaining.
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