narrow escape

Idioms and Phrases

A barely successful flight from or avoidance of danger or trouble, as in He had a narrow escape, since the bullet came within inches of his head . This expression uses narrow in the sense of “barely sufficient.” [Late 1500s] For a newer synonym, see close call .

Example Sentences

As absurd as it may sound in the wake of such a narrow escape, the really tough political fights still lie ahead.

From The Daily Beast

I knew then that Owen had had a narrow escape, and but for the fleetness of foot of Evan he would surely have been slain.

From Project Gutenberg

So we had a narrow escape, thought I; these fellows would have attacked us, I doubt not, had we not gone on that night.

From Project Gutenberg

After his narrow escape, Rory was soon at the head of a band, and burning villages as busily as ever.

From Project Gutenberg

When he picked up a piece as large as a saucer beside my pillow, I realized my narrow escape.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day quite a number of the garrison were killed or wounded, and Colonel Smith himself had a narrow escape.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• close call
• shocker