Drive to the brink Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To push someone or something very close to a dangerous, extreme, or critical point, often emotionally, physically, or in terms of patience.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom mainly used in dramatic or serious contexts, such as describing stress, emotional exhaustion, or critical situations. Common collocations include 'drive someone to the brink of madness' or 'drive the system to the brink of collapse.' Rarely used in informal, light-hearted conversation.
Example Sentences
The stress at work drove him to the brink.
basic
Lack of sleep can drive a person to the brink.
basic
Financial worries can drive families to the brink.
basic
She was driven to the brink by endless deadlines and no support from her team.
natural
If you keep pushing like this, you're going to drive yourself to the brink.
natural
Decades of pollution have driven the river to the brink.
natural