nip and tuck

Cultural  

1. Closely contested; neck and neck: “It was nip and tuck there for a while, but our team finally pulled through.”

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nip and tuck Idioms  

1. Very close so that the advantage or lead of competitors keeps shifting, as in It was nip and tuck whether they would deal with the bill before Congress adjourned. The precise allusion in this term has been lost. [Early 1800s] Also see neck and neck.

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Example Sentences

Despite the nip and tuck of this title tussle, BBC Sportsound pundit Leanne Crichton believes there is a chasm between the Glasgow sides – and it is only growing wider.

From BBC • May 11, 2024

Catt Sadler is loud and proud about getting a little nip and tuck.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2023

All of this year’s iPhones had a little nip and tuck along the edges.

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2020

The tie with Uruguay always looked to be nip and tuck but Portugal were deservedly beaten and, to nobody’s real surprise, looked bereft of ideas without Cristiano Ronaldo stepping up to the plate.

From The Guardian • Jul. 4, 2018

“Last week the doctor said ’t was nip and tuck with you.

From The Peace of Roaring River by Koerner, W. H. D. (William Henry Dethlef)