To be in a precarious state; on the verge of extinction; (of a person) on one's last legs, near death.
这位老艺术家虽然已经八十高龄，但精神矍铄，一点也没有风中秉烛的感觉。
Although this venerable artist is already eighty years old, he is still vigorous and shows no sign of being like a candle in the wind.
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