cliff-hanging

or cliff·hang·ing

[ klif-hang-ing ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a cliff-hanger:

   a cliff-hanging vote of 20–19.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cliff-hanging¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Since then, she’s largely receded from Washington’s daily doings and the cliff-hanging drama that’s surrounded the fight over the president’s agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

Echo Summit, a mountain pass where cliff-hanging U.S.

From Seattle Times

Combatants threw rocks and clashed with iron rods in a small, cliff-hanging area of the Western Himalayan Ladakh region.

From Washington Times

Instead, producers said the camera will cut away in the cliff-hanging moment before a kiss or a punch.

From New York Times

France also came within a whisker of preventing New Zealand from finally lifting the World Cup trophy in 2011, losing 8-7 to the All Blacks in a cliff-hanging final.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• breathtaking
• chilling
• electrifying
• frightening
• shocking
• suspenseful
• terrifying