close call
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of close call
An Americanism dating back to 1880–85
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.
"This would mean a close call for a global recession which has happened only four times since 1980," it said, most recently during the Covid pandemic.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
There was a close call at Newark Liberty International Airport last week, when an Alaska Air plane flew over a FedEx freighter when both were attempting to land on crossing runways at the same time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 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
His dog too, and all the fleas; a close call.
From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.