"on the verge of" + something positive?

[Torsten]

Hi, can you use the expression to be on the verge of in connection with something positive? I mean, usually somebody is on the verge of a nervous breakdown or the economy is on the verge of collapse.
Today I read an article in which this sentence occurs:

The company is on the verge of signing a deal to open its new international headquarters in ...

So, what are your associations when you hear the phrase on the verge of?

Thanks in advance,
Torsten
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[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

My gut reaction is that "be on the verge of" can be used for both something positive and negative, but I would guess that it's probably used a little more often in connection with something negative. I would also use it to describe being on the brink or border of a fairly big or very distinct change.
i.e.:
- solvency --> bankruptcy,
- calmness --> hysteria
- no cure for something --> cure
- peace --> war

Amy