close call

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Explanation of "Close Call"

Definition:
A "close call" is a situation where something dangerous or bad almost happened, but in the end, it didn't. It's like escaping a problem by a very small amount.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced discussions, you might use "close call" to describe situations in various contexts, like sports, health, or personal safety. - Example: "The team won the game, but it was a close call; they scored the winning goal in the last second."

Word Variants

• Close (adjective): Near in distance or time.
• Call (noun): A decision or decision-making situation.

Different Meaning

While "close call" generally refers to narrowly avoiding danger, in other contexts, "close" can mean to shut something, and "call" can refer to contacting someone.

Synonyms

• Near miss
• Narrow escape
• Lucky escape

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Idiom: "By the skin of your teeth" – This means to barely escape a situation, similar to a close call.

  • Example: "I finished my exam by the skin of my teeth!"

• Phrasal Verb: "Get away with" – This means to escape punishment or trouble.

  • Example: "I thought I would get in trouble for being late, but I got away with it."

Summary

In summary, a "close call" is when you narrowly escape a problem or danger. It can be used in everyday conversation and in various situations to express relief and the idea of almost facing a negative outcome.

Academic

Noun

1. something achieved (or escaped) by a narrow margin

Synonyms

• close shave
• squeak
• squeaker
• narrow escape