close call

[ klohs ]

noun

1. a narrow escape from danger or trouble.

close call

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. another expression for close shave

Word History and Origins

Origin of close call¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Idioms and Phrases

Also, close shave . Narrow escape, near miss. For example, That skier just missed the tree—what a close call , or That was a close shave, nearly leaving your passport behind . The first phrase dates from the late 1800s and comes from sports, alluding to an official's decision ( call ) that could have gone either way. The second, from the early 1800s, alludes to the narrow margin between closely shaved skin and a razor cut. (This latter usage replaced the much earlier equation of a close shave with miserliness, based on the idea that a close shave by a barber meant one would not have to spend money on another shave quite so soon.) Also see too close for comfort .

Example Sentences

Many — who have had several close calls with wildfire before — knew instantly that this could spell disaster.

From Los Angeles Times

With our planet’s history of close calls, it seems practical these days to get a doomsday bunker, if you can convince someone rich enough to buy one for you.

From Los Angeles Times

Game 5 presented another close call otherwise, with Freeman’s status unclear until 90 minutes before first pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

"I know that. It's just a matter of turning these close calls into wins."

From BBC

"Hopefully the tide is going to turn pretty soon, and I can turn all these close calls into victories."

From BBC

Related Words

• cliffhanger