on the bubble
prep_phraseEtymology First appears in the US, c. the late 20th century, from the state of Indiana motor racing.
1
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Motor racing, Racing, Sports Holding the last qualifying position with qualification still in progress, and thus liable to lose that position.
- Smith was on the bubble but lost out when Jones was faster by a tenth of a second.
2
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports Having qualification for an event depend on the upcoming performances of other competitors; hence, at risk of being eliminated, and reversely, being close to qualification; on the verge.
- The Knights had been on the bubble for the tournament, but played their way in by winning their last five games.
- Most players play pretty loose on the bubble, much looser than they theoretically should, and even if I saw an opponent sitting out a few hands, it's more likely that he just hit a run of low cards than that he turned into a locksmith at this stage.2006, Dan Harrington, Bill Robertie, Harrington on Hold 'Em::
1 more example
- Lewis and Marc Luttrell are on the bubble because they have yet to make the timed run in Third Phase, but they make this one.2009, Dick Couch, The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class, page 228:
3
Idiomatic Uncertain of success.
- The new bond issue now appears to be on the bubble, with support eroding.
4
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, bubble.
- Among other aspects of bubble measurement, the researchers were interested in measuring the size of the bubble with a laser scattering technique. A laser is shone on the bubble, which scatters the light.2004, David D. Moon, Carbon Dating, Cold Fusion, and a Curve Ball, page 109:
- Related terms
- bubble team, bubble under, pole position, qualifiers, qualifying