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on the verge (of) ( also to the verge of )
If you are on the verge of something or come to the verge of something, you are very near to experiencing it
on the verge of collapse/success/tears/death/disaster/war
Her husband's violent and abusive behaviour drove her to the verge of despair.

365.	shortage	/ˈʃɔː.tɪdʒ/ noun [ C ] when there is not enough of something There's a shortage of food and shelter in the refugee camps. The long hot summer has led to serious water shortages.
366.	transform	/trænsˈfɔːm/ verb [ T ] to change completely the appearance or character of something or someone, especially so that they are improved The reorganization will transform the British entertainment industry. [ R ] Whenever a camera was pointed at her, Marilyn would instantly transform herself into a radiant star.
367.	secure	/sɪˈkjʊə r / adjective FIXED 1. positioned or fixed firmly and correctly and therefore not likely to move, fall or break That ladder doesn't look very secure to me. Check that all windows and doors are secure. 2. A secure place is one that it is difficult to get out of or escape from He killed the man just a month after his release from a secure mental hospital. adjective PROTECTED 3. (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid being harmed by any risk, danger or threat Car manufacturers ought to produce vehicles which are more secure against theft. adjective CONFIDENT 4. not doubting or being worried about yourself and your personal relationships Children need to feel secure in order to do well at school. verb GET 1. [ T ] formal to get something, sometimes with difficulty He was disappointed by his failure to secure the top job with the bank. verb PROTECT 2. [ I or T ] to make certain something is protected from danger or risk The building has only one main entrance and would be easy to secure ( against/from intruders). verb FIX 3. [ T ] to fasten one object firmly to another The gate won't stay open, so we'll have to secure it to that post.
368.	reinforce	/ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːs/ verb [ T ] 1. to make something stronger The pockets on my jeans are reinforced with double stitching. 2. If something reinforces an idea or opinion, it provides more proof or support for it and makes it seem true The final technical report into the accident reinforces the findings of initial investigations. His behaviour merely reinforced my dislike of him.
369.	range