close call

USAGE SUMMARY

"close call" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize the near miss of a possibly dangerous or unpleasant situation. For example: "That was a close call! We almost got caught out in the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You have a close call.

The New Yorker

"This was a close call".

The New York Times

It was a close call.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not even a close call".

The New York Times

"It wasn't even a close call.

The New Yorker

"It was an awfully close call".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is a close call," he said.

The New York Times

This is not even a close call".

The New York Times

It was not even a close call.

The New York Times - Sports

Replays suggested it was a close call.

Independent

In short, it was a close call.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "close call" when you want to emphasize how narrowly a negative outcome was avoided. This phrase is suitable for both serious and slightly more casual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "close call" for situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly problematic. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where there was a genuine risk of significant harm or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close call" functions as a noun phrase that describes a situation where danger, failure, or some other negative outcome was narrowly avoided. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in this context, confirming its role in highlighting near misses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close call" is a common phrase used to describe situations where a negative outcome was narrowly avoided. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and suitable for use in written English. Its function is to express relief and emphasize the proximity to danger or failure. It is considered to be neutral in register, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. Related phrases include "narrow escape" and "near miss". When using "close call", ensure it aligns with situations involving genuine risk rather than minor inconveniences. This ensures clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

narrow escape

Highlights the act of successfully avoiding danger by a small margin.

near miss

Emphasizes the proximity to an undesirable event without it actually occurring.

close shave

An idiomatic expression conveying a situation that almost resulted in harm or failure.

hair's breadth escape

Draws attention to the minimal distance or time separating one from danger.

dodged a bullet

Metaphorically suggests avoiding a potentially devastating problem or setback.

lucky break

Focuses on the role of good fortune in averting a negative outcome.

last-minute save

Highlights the timing of averting the issue, with the action occurring right before disaster.

narrow squeak

Like "narrow escape" but with a more whimsical or less serious tone.

fortunate avoidance

Stresses the element of luck involved in successfully steering clear of something unpleasant.

squeaky bum time

Describes a tense situation where the outcome is uncertain and the stakes are high.

FAQs

How can I use "close call" in a sentence?

You can use "close call" to describe a situation where danger or a negative outcome was narrowly avoided. For example, "That was a "close call"; I almost missed my flight."

What are some alternatives to "close call"?

Alternatives to "close call" include "narrow escape", "near miss", and "lucky break", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use "close call" in formal writing?

While "close call" is widely understood, in highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "narrow escape" or rephrasing to achieve a more professional tone, depending on the specific context.

What does "dodged a bullet" mean in comparison to "close call"?

"Dodged a bullet" is similar to "close call" but implies that you avoided something potentially devastating, whereas "close call" can refer to any narrowly avoided negative outcome.