close call

American  

[klohs] / kloʊs /

noun

1. a narrow escape from danger or trouble.

---

close call British  

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. another expression for close shave

---

close call Idioms  

1. Also, close shave. Narrow escape, near miss. For example, That skier just missed the tree—what a close call, or That was a close shave, nearly leaving your passport behind. The first phrase dates from the late 1800s and comes from sports, alluding to an official's decision (call) that could have gone either way. The second, from the early 1800s, alludes to the narrow margin between closely shaved skin and a razor cut. (This latter usage replaced the much earlier equation of a close shave with miserliness, based on the idea that a close shave by a barber meant one would not have to spend money on another shave quite so soon.) Also see too close for comfort.

---

Etymology

Origin of close call

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

He described a close call involving his son, who was nearly hit while on a bike due to limited visibility at the intersection.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

It’s a close call, but ultimately I’m on your side.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

Chair Jerome Powell will say it was a close call, but markets are correct in expecting a cut.

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

However, some analysts expect that rates could be cut by 25 basis points, or at least that the decision will be a close call, following recent weaker-than-expected U.K. inflation and jobs data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

My ragged breaths turned to sobs as the full force of the close call hit me.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Related Words

• cliffhanger