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Close shave
01
used for referring to a situation in which something dangerous is avoided just before it is too late for it to happen
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "close shave" and when to use it?
The idiom "close shave" originated from the practice of shaving, emphasizing the nearness of a narrow escape from harm or disaster. It is commonly used to describe a situation in which someone or something barely avoids a dangerous or unpleasant outcome, highlighting the element of luck and the slim margin between safety and potential harm.
Examples
He had a close shave when the car's brakes failed, but he managed to stop just inches from the cliff's edge.
It was a close shave for the company, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy by securing a last-minute loan.
