Are we on the “cusp of” big changes?

“Cusp” (umbral de, cúspide) has two important meanings.

First, the easy part. A cusp is the pointed end of something, perhaps a leaf or a mountain. Use your cerebral hemisphere to contemplate these examples.

• The cusp of Mount Teide (cúspide) is visible above the clouds (nubes). You could also say that the “tip” (punta) of Teide…

• Hold the sword (espada) with the cusp up (or pointed end).

Now, another meaning. To be “on the cusp of” means an important change, that something is about to change. Some examples:

• Great Britain is on the cusp of economic chaos (…cúspide de caos económico), given the socialist government ́s spending and high taxes. You could also say that Great Britain is on the border of economic collapse (al borde de…)

• Mr. Sanchez ́s government is on the cusp of big cabinet (gabinete) changes.

• Andrew is on the cusp of enormous changes in his life with the new website Suffrago.org.

So, are you on the cusp of changes in your life?