close call

[klohs]

noun

1. a narrow escape from danger or trouble.

close call

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. another expression for close shave

Word History and Origins

Origin of close call¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

While GOP gerrymanders have locked in control of the state legislature and the congressional delegation, races for statewide office are often fairly close calls.

From Salon

In the worst conditions, fires can grow exponentially, meaning a nascent fire going unnoticed for just a few minutes could mean the difference between a close call and the loss of homes and lives.

From Los Angeles Times

“If you stand on any one of these corners for long, you’ll see kids running around and you’ll see close calls … I figured that the crosswalk was something that benefited people and didn’t hurt anybody.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I feel like it was a close call but they definitely deserved it."

From BBC

Hull has had several close calls at previous majors but is yet to clinch one of her sport's biggest prizes.

From BBC

Related Words

• cliffhanger