narrow escape

Idioms  

1. A barely successful flight from or avoidance of danger or trouble, as in He had a narrow escape, since the bullet came within inches of his head. This expression uses narrow in the sense of “barely sufficient.” [Late 1500s] For a newer synonym, see close call.

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Example Sentences

Narrow escape of one of the party from that animal.

From History of the Expedition under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark, Vol. I. To the Sources of the Missouri, Thence Across the Rocky Mountains and Down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. Performed During the Years 1804-5-6. by Allen, Paul

Narrow escape from the floods of the river.

From Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia, Volume 2 by Mitchell, Thomas

With a sense of relief, Leo exclaimed, "Narrow escape, that!"

From The Harris-Ingram Experiment by Bolton, Charles E. (Charles Edward)

Narrow escape from the loss of the cattle.

From Three Expeditions into the Interior of Eastern Australia, Volume 1 by Mitchell, Thomas

"Narrow escape, dear child!" he observed, locking the window and drawing the shade.

From Bab: a Sub-Deb by Rinehart, Mary Roberts

Related Words

• close call
• shocker