The child was 'on the verge of' tears. [=was almost crying; was about to start crying]
The company was 'on the verge of' going bankrupt. [=was very close to going bankrupt]
comedy that 'verges on' farce [=comedy that is almost farce]
(..) Come on, kids, let's go. The berg is moving. But, dad. . . No "but". You can play later. Okay. Come on, guys. Sally, where's Eddie? He said something about being on a verge of a revolutionary breakthrough. Really? I'm flying! Some breakthrough. Look out! A mammoth is on its way. (..)2002 Ice Age