Hang By A Thread - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Writing & Speaking

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can make your speech sound more fluent and expressive. The idiom “Hang by a Thread” is apt for describing situations that are extremely uncertain or on the verge of failure. This blog explains its meaning, provides examples, exercises, and a sample IELTS Speaking answer to help you use it confidently and boost your score.

Meaning of Hang by a Thread

• Definition: To be in a very dangerous, unstable, or uncertain situation where even a small change can lead to failure, disaster, or death.
  Synonyms: On the edge; in jeopardy; touch and go.
• Example Explanation: When something hangs by a thread, it is barely surviving — just like a thin thread that could break at any moment.
• Examples:
  • Henry’s life is hanging by a thread since the success rate of his surgery is only 50%.
  • National security has hung by a thread since the public disclosure of classified documents last year.
  • She has accused her company of corruption, and now her job is hanging by a thread.

Usage of “Hang by a Thread” in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in the IELTS Speaking: 

• “After the financial crisis, the company was hanging by a thread, struggling to survive.”
• “The peace agreement is hanging by a thread due to rising political tensions.”
• “My project was hanging by a thread when my laptop crashed just before the submission.”

Pro Tip: Use this idiom naturally when describing tense, risky, or unstable situations in IELTS Speaking Parts 2 or 3. It can make your answers sound more advanced and descriptive.

When to Use the Idiom “Hang by a Thread”

You can use this idiom in IELTS Speaking Part 1, IELTS Speaking Part 2, or IELTS Speaking Part 3 when discussing uncertain or dangerous situations such as:

• Health: “After the accident, his life was hanging by a thread until doctors intervened.”
• Career or Job: “After missing multiple deadlines, my job was hanging by a thread.”
• Environment: “Due to pollution and deforestation, wildlife survival is hanging by a thread.”
• Politics or Economy: “The government’s stability is hanging by a thread due to the ongoing protests.”

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Hang by a Thread”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a Difficult Situation You Faced

One of the most stressful times in my life was during my final year at university. My laptop suddenly stopped working just two days before my final project submission. I felt like my entire degree was hanging by a thread because I hadn’t backed up my data. Luckily, a friend helped me recover my files, and I was able to submit my project on time. That experience taught me to stay calm under pressure and always keep backups of important work.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Meaning

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom “Hang by a Thread” in each sentence.

1. After the scandal, the politician’s reputation is hanging by a thread.
   a) Very successful
   b) In great danger of being destroyed
   c) Being repaired quickly
2. The company’s survival was hanging by a thread during the economic crisis.
   a) Completely stable
   b) Barely surviving; almost failing
   c) Expanding rapidly
3. The patient’s life was hanging by a thread after the accident.
   a) At serious risk of ending
   b) Recovering quickly
   c) Perfectly healthy
4. The peace agreement between the two nations is hanging by a thread.
   a) Strong and unbreakable
   b) Extremely fragile and unstable
   c) Recently signed and effective
5. After failing two exams, his chances of getting a scholarship are hanging by a thread.
   a) Very slim and uncertain
   b) Increasing rapidly
   c) Already guaranteed