close shave

[ klohs ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a narrow escape from serious danger or trouble:

   We weren't hit when the truck swerved at us, but it was a close shave.

close shave

/ kləʊs /

noun

1. informal.
   a narrow escape

Word History and Origins

Origin of close shave¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

see close call .

Example Sentences

Kick-heavy tactics have brought some groans, close shaves against Samoa and Fiji have fuelled doubts, the loyalty to veteran performers hasn't always been popular in the stands.

From BBC

But their close shaves against Samoa and Wales, won by 13 and 11 points respectively, never teetered on the razor's edge so long and perilously.

From BBC

My mother also had a close shave with death.

From BBC

Someone in the crowd yelled, “That’s a close shave!” when bayonets brushed inches from the face of a superior officer.

From Washington Post

Baugh has had his fair share of close shaves on the job and stressed the need to be smart by diffusing potentially dangerous encounters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• close call
• shocker