Definición y Significado de "close call"

Close call

SUSTANTIVO

un pelo, un estrecho margen

a situation where there is an equal chance for one to fail or succeed

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "close call" and when to use it?

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.

Example

The company had a close call with a cyber attack, but their security measures prevented the breach.

La empresa tuvo un estrecho margen con un ciberataque, pero sus medidas de seguridad previnieron la violación.

The driver narrowly avoided a collision with a truck on the highway.

El conductor evitó por poco una colisión con un camión en la carretera. Fue un pelo.

un estrecho margen, un apuro

a situation where one avoids a danger just before it is too late

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "close call" and when to use it?

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.

Example

It was a close call when the car swerved in front of us, but my quick reflexes prevented an accident.

Fue un estrecho margen cuando el coche se desvió frente a nosotros, pero mis rápidos reflejos evitaron un accidente.

The hikers had a close call with a sudden thunderstorm, but they found shelter in a cave just in time.

Los excursionistas tuvieron un apuro con una repentina tormenta eléctrica, pero encontraron refugio en una cueva justo a tiempo.