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Synonyms

close shave

American  
[klohs] / kloʊs /

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 British  
/ kləʊs /

noun

  1. informal a narrow escape

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

close shave Idioms  
  1. see close call.


Etymology

Origin of close shave

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

As fewer and fewer men opt for a close shave, the 25-year-old Kabul barber said he was already losing business.

From Barron's Feb. 19, 2026

Eco-conscious consumers are looking for plastic-free razors that deliver a safe, close shave.

From Washington Post Jan. 3, 2023

Williams driver Alex Albon had a very close shave when the car skipped sideways towards the barrier braking for the harbour-front chicane but just managed to save the car.

From BBC May 27, 2022

In St. Louis, setting up the stage at the bottom of an amphitheater-like glen avoided that problem, but squeezing it into that spot was a worrisomely close shave.

From New York Times Jul. 29, 2021

Aunt Lydia said: Saint Paul said it’s either that or a close shave.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

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