Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
teeter
This word evokes a visual of instability and rhythmic oscillation. It describes a physical state of being barely balanced, where the center of gravity shifts repeatedly between two points. This creates a sense of tension and imminent failure, as the object or person is perpetually on the verge of falling.
When used in a figurative sense, it describes a psychological or systemic fragility. It suggests a critical tipping point where a small push or a minor error could lead to a total collapse, such as financial ruin or political instability. It is more evocative than simply saying something is unstable, as it implies a back-and-forth struggle to maintain equilibrium.
Meanings
Examples
The vase teetered on the edge of the table before finally falling.
Watch out or you will teeter right off that ledge.
The company has been teetering on the brink of bankruptcy for months.
I can feel my resolve teetering as the temptation grows stronger.
The old tower teetered precariously in the strong wind.
He teetered for a moment on his heels before regaining his balance.
The peace treaty is teetering on the edge of collapse.
Stop teetering on that fence and just make a decision already.