Possible Clues:

• Constant and imminent peril
• Looming threat, from a Greek parable
• Extremely precarious situation, having been hung over in court
• One threatening to cleave skull at parting of hair
• Death threat classically suspended
• Imminent disaster
• Impending disaster can make cowards of models
• Suspended potentially harmful brand
• Start to spread news about obstruction and close off precarious situation
• It was perilously poised overhead