narrow escape

Idioms and Phrases

A barely successful flight from or avoidance of danger or trouble, as in He had a narrow escape, since the bullet came within inches of his head . This expression uses narrow in the sense of “barely sufficient.” [Late 1500s] For a newer synonym, see close call .

Example Sentences

The good fortune of Donald Trump’s narrow escape from an assassin is a powerful recent exception to that rule, along with his GOP nomination this week after his 2020 election loss.

From Salon

No one was killed in the attack on Duma, but residents described narrow escapes.

From Seattle Times

United’s narrow escape sets up a second straight Manchester derby in the final against defending champion Manchester City, which beat Chelsea on Saturday.

From Seattle Times

There are some marvelous set pieces, including an extended sequence on a claustrophobic boat and a narrow escape from an apartment that ratchet up the tension.

From Salon

A driver had a narrow escape after a roof was blown off a building in Belton, North Lincolnshire.

From BBC

Related Words

• close call
• shocker