"on the verge of" + something positive?

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi, can you use the expression to be on the verge of in connection with something positive? I mean, usually somebody is on the verge of a nervous breakdown or the economy is on the verge of collapse.
Today I read an article in which this sentence occurs:

The company is on the verge of signing a deal to open its new international headquarters in …

So, what are your associations when you hear the phrase on the verge of?

Thanks in advance,
Torsten[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, talks: Giving an opening speech to the National Tennis Championship Tournament[YSaerTTEW443543]

2

Hi Torsten

My gut reaction is that “be on the verge of” can be used for both something positive and negative, but I would guess that it’s probably used a little more often in connection with something negative. I would also use it to describe being on the brink or border of a fairly big or very distinct change.
i.e.:

  • solvency --> bankruptcy,
  • calmness --> hysteria
  • no cure for something --> cure
  • peace --> war

Amy