close call

American  

[klohs] / kloʊs /

noun

1. a narrow escape from danger or trouble.

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close call British  

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. another expression for close shave

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of close call

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Some signaled they saw the move as a close call, and a few nonvoting presidents indicated they would have also opposed it.

From The Wall Street Journal

There have been close calls at Hollywood Burbank before.

From Los Angeles Times

The annoyance for Guardiola was all these close calls have gone against his side - and they keep adding up.

From BBC

“Our view remains that the RBA will leave rates on hold this year, but it’s a close call,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

On the opening night of Mission League basketball action Wednesday, there was a huge upset, one close call and two easy victories.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cliffhanger