To be on the cusp of victory/defeat

Meaning

To be very close to winning or losing.

Examples

• John: The game is incredibly tense right now.
• Alice: It's down to the wire; both teams are <b>on the cusp of victory/defeat</b>.
• John: One more point and it's over for one side.
• Alice: You can practically feel the pressure. It’s electrifying – they’re truly <b>on the cusp of victory/defeat</b>.