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

Another blinder of a start on lap one and great wheel to wheel battling throughout, with some quite close call action with Hamilton.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

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 • Jan. 8, 2026

Cuts have become an increasingly close call because price increases have been more persistent than the Fed would like, the minutes indicated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 30, 2025

Yet Ernest’s decision to invite Oppie into the discussion had been a close call.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• cliffhanger