too close to call
too close to call
Meaning | Synonyms
- a margin that is too close to determine a winner
- not possible to predict the outcome of a match or election
- on level pegging
- with nothing to choose between them
- too close or equal
- at almost same level
Example Sentences
- There are only a few minutes left in the match and it is too close to call.
- This match is too close to call, it is very stressful.
- The election has been too close to call, but we trust that our candidate will win.
- Political experts believe that it’s too close to call since both the election candidates are quite prominent competitor.
- The last round was too close to call therefore this round will be crucial in order to declare the winner.
- Both of the dogs are equally strong and too close to call.
Origin
The meaning of “a call” is a judgement. The word has been used in this sense since the 1600s. That means that when there is a competition between two things a winner needs to be decided on. This phrase was mostly used in sport during the 1860s. Especially in baseball where the umpire often needs to make a decision.
Since the 1960s it has been used when discussing the outcome of elections. When you make a call, you provide a definitive decision. In elections that have a very small margin it is sometimes considered too close to predict a winner before it is over. It is said that the phrase was first used by CBS in 1962. It was initially used to describe the outcome of pre-election polls and later on elections.
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