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on the bubble
on the bubble
equally likely to experience either of two results The Cougars, who looked like they'd definitely be in the tournament a week ago, are suddenly a team on the bubble. Some states will vote for the Democrats, and some are likely to vote for the Republicans, but Arizona is on the bubble.
Related vocabulary: (live) on the edge Etymology: based on the idea that something on the surface of a bubble is as likely to roll in one direction as in another
on the bubble
On the brink of a new development or condition, especially in danger of being cut from a sports team: "These are the players on the bubble, the ones who are not sure if they have made the team" (Jason Diamos).