飢き餓が線せん上じょうに

adverb

on the verge of starvation; at the point of starving

Describes a critical state of extreme hunger, often used figuratively for dire need.

• 彼かれらは飢き餓が線せん上じょうにあり、すぐに食しょく料りょうが必ひつ要ようだった。

  They were on the verge of starvation and needed food immediately.