English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Close call
Meaning
The idiomatic expression "close call" refers to an incident or situation that was very close to turning out badly, but by a narrow margin escaped disaster. It can also refer to an event that was very close to happening, but did not occur.
Usage
- I had a close call with a car accident this morning when driving to work.
- The airplane made a close call when it encountered turbulence during its descent.
- The basketball team came out on top in a very close game that went into overtime.
- The company faced a close call when they received negative feedback from their customers.
- My friend narrowly escaped being mugged on his way home from work last night.
Roots and History
The idiom "close call" originated in the early 20th century, with its earliest recorded use appearing in a book of English idioms in 1937. It is believed to have evolved from the phrase "a close shave," which refers to a narrow escape from danger or harm.
Synonyms in English
- Narrow escape
- Near miss
- Skirt by disaster
- Avoid disaster
- Get away with it
Synonyms in other languages
- いびき (Japanese) - A feeling of relief and happiness after a close call or danger has passed.
- יום חיתים (Hebrew) - A day of near disaster that has been avoided.
- שפּול מה כּנסת היום (Hebrew) - The realization that one has narrowly escaped death or a disaster.
- יחד מסומן אלו נתןין גזר בעדים (Hebrew) - A miracle or act of grace that saved someone from danger or harm.