close shave

[klohs]

noun

Informal.

1. a narrow escape from serious danger or trouble.

   We weren't hit when the truck swerved at us, but it was a close shave.

close shave

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. informal,  a narrow escape

Word History and Origins

Origin of close shave¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

see close call.

Example Sentences

Dr Bennett jokes about close shaves when mortars landed within metres of where she was sleeping in Iraq.

From BBC

Scientists at Nasa say an equally strong storm was headed at Earth in 2012 and we had “a close shave just as perilous”.

From BBC

Kick-heavy tactics have brought some groans, close shaves against Samoa and Fiji have fuelled doubts, the loyalty to veteran performers hasn't always been popular in the stands.

From BBC

But their close shaves against Samoa and Wales, won by 13 and 11 points respectively, never teetered on the razor's edge so long and perilously.

From BBC

My mother also had a close shave with death.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjacent 
• adjoining 
• immediate 
• nearby 
• neighboring 
• warm