noun
edge of the sumo ring
Literal sumo term: the straw-bale boundary of the dohyō. Used when a wrestler is pushed to the edge.
力士は土俵際で踏ん張った。
The sumo wrestler held his ground at the edge of the ring.
noun
Figurative extension: a situation where one is pushed to the limit, just before a decisive outcome. Common in news and business contexts.
交渉は土俵際まで追い込まれた。
The negotiations were driven to the brink.
土俵際の逆転劇で勝利した。
They won with a last-minute turnaround.