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

“I was really proud of the way we responded when we got down. It was nip and tuck the whole way.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2022

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

From Washington Post • Oct. 14, 2020

"Jack and I had it nip and tuck all the way to the gate, and if he hadn't stumbled over the track he'd have beat me."

From The Crimson Sweater by Barbour, Ralph Henry