close call
Plural
close calls
1
a situation where there is an equal chance for one to fail or succeed
The idiom "close call" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and it is often used to emphasize the uncertainty or nearness of an outcome that could go either way. It underscores the idea that the outcome is finely balanced, and the margin between success and failure is very narrow.
- The company had a close call with a cyber attack, but their security measures prevented the breach.
- The driver narrowly avoided a collision with a truck on the highway.It was a close call.
- The plane had a close call with another plane in the air, but the pilots managed to avoid a collision.
- The competition was a close call, as the two finalists had an equal chance to win the championship.
- When applying for the scholarship, it was a close call between the top students, all of whom had impressive qualifications.
Synonyms:
2
a situation where one avoids a danger just before it is too late
The idiom "close call" originated from the concept of narrowly avoiding a dangerous or undesirable outcome, emphasizing the proximity to disaster. It is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone or something narrowly escapes harm or misfortune just before it becomes too late.
- It was a close call when the car swerved in front of us, but my quick reflexes prevented an accident.
- The hikers had a close call with a sudden thunderstorm, but they found shelter in a cave just in time.
- The company had a close call with bankruptcy, but a last-minute investor saved it from financial ruin.
- Her diagnosis was a close call because the disease was in its early stages and could have become much worse if not detected.
- The pilot's skillful maneuvering averted a close call when the plane's engine failed mid-flight, ensuring the passengers' safety.