close call
MediumInformal
Definition
Meaning
A situation where something bad or dangerous nearly happens but is narrowly avoided.
A decision or outcome that could easily have been different, especially one involving risk, competition, or judgment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used to describe narrowly avoided accidents, near misses in sports or games, or situations where a small change would have led to a negative outcome. Implies relief or heightened awareness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations of narrowly averted danger or a tight outcome.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] had a close call (with [danger])That was a close call!It was a close call between [option A] and [option B]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Too close for comfort”
- “A miss is as good as a mile”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A narrowly avoided financial loss or a deal that almost fell through.
Academic
A research finding that was nearly disproven or a narrowly passed review.
Everyday
Nearly missing a step, almost crashing a car, or nearly missing a train.
Technical
In aviation or risk management: a near-miss incident.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- That car nearly hit us! What a close call.
- It was a close call, but I caught the glass before it fell.
- We had a close call on the motorway when a lorry swerved into our lane.
- The goalkeeper's save was a real close call; the ball almost went in.
- The surgeon said it was a close call; the infection was millimeters from reaching the bone.
- Passing the exam by one mark felt like a very close call.
- The merger was a close call for the regulators, who debated its implications for weeks.
- His political survival was a close call, hinging on a handful of swing voters.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a phone call ('call') where the bad news comes 'close' to happening but hangs up just in time.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT PASSES CLOSE BY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'близкий звонок'.
- Avoid confusing with 'close' as a verb (закрывать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'close call' for a phone call that ended abruptly (incorrect).
- Confusing 'close call' with 'close game' (the latter is only for competition).
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best describes a 'close call'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily an informal, conversational term.
Yes, commonly used for near misses, like a ball almost going into the goal.
They are largely synonymous, though 'close shave' can feel slightly more old-fashioned or vivid.
No, it can refer to any situation where an unwanted outcome was narrowly avoided, including competitions, exams, or decisions.
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