on the bubble

Meaning

Prepositional phrase

• Holding the last qualifying position with qualification still in progress, and thus liable to lose that position.
• 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.
• Uncertain of success.

Origin

• US, 2nd half 1900s, from Indiana motor racing.