An idiom meaning a precarious or nearly hopeless situation—literally 'a light before the wind,' as if a lamp about to be blown out.
中小企業は資金繰りの悪化で風前の灯だと報道された。
It was reported that the small company was on the brink of collapse due to worsening cash flow.
文化財は放置されれば風前の灯になる可能性がある。
If cultural properties are neglected, they may be in a precarious state.
患者の命は助かったが、状態はまだ風前の灯のようだ。
The patient's life was saved, but their condition still seems precarious.