narrow escape

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

"Narrow escape, dear child!" he observed, locking the window and drawing the shade.

From Bab: a Sub-Deb by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

Narrow escape from the floods of the river.

From Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia, Volume 2 by Mitchell, Thomas

Narrow escape of the institution from a fatal result.

From Autobiography of Andrew Dickson White — Volume 1 by White, Andrew Dickson

"Narrow escape, Mr. Forrester," commented Green, as Forrester shook hands with him and sat down.

From The Secret Toll by Thorne, Paul And Mabel

Narrow escape of Pius IX. and many eminent persons.

From Pius IX. And His Time by Dawson, Æneas MacDonell

Related Words

• close call
• shocker