close call

C

close call

Meaning

• a narrow escape from disaster
• refers to narrowly avoiding a situation of events that are often dangerous
• being able to escape something bad and harmful that was just about to get to you
• making a near-miss at an unfortunate event that could have clearly brought about negative consequences
• used when one has been able to evade an unpredictable tragedy by just a whisker
• could also be seen as a hard decision or a result that is difficult to determine

Example Sentences

1. It was quite a close call, but my father managed to avoid hitting the animal that ran across the highway.
2. The race was quite competitive, and the African won by such a close call.
3. That was a really close call, but the politician managed to evade doing time in prison.
4. It was a close call, but the Lakers ended up victorious in the game.
5. Jack managed to jump from the 7th floor of the World Trade Center in time after the Hijacked plane hits, but it was a close call.

Origin

The phrase dates back to the late 1800s and was first used in the sports event. It was a result of a decision made by an official that could have gone either way. It is of American origin and was also used in an equally matched contest, making it quite challenging to make a prediction.

Synonym

• close shave

Danger