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

Even with my close call, like, that one angered me, because you start to think about things.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 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

The coming interest-rate decision by the Federal Reserve could be an unusually close call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

From the way Lucy told it, the house was a Jazzercise fun house, and it was a close call, but she did it.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Related Words

• cliffhanger