squeak

narrow squeak

Fig. a success almost not achieved; a lucky or marginal success; a problem almost not surmounted. That was a narrow squeak. I don't know how I survived. Another narrow squeak like that and I'll give up.

See also: narrow

squeak something through

Fig. to manage just to get something accepted or approved. I just managed to squeak the proposal through. Tom squeaked the application through at the last minute.

See also: through

squeak by (someone or something)

1. Fig. to manage just to squeeze past someone or something. I squeaked by the fat man in the hallway only to find myself blocked by another. I just barely squeaked by.

2. Fig. to manage just to get past a barrier represented by a person or thing, such as a difficult teacher or an examination. Judy just squeaked by Professor Smith, who has a reputation for flunking students. I took the test and just squeaked by.

squeak through (something)

1. Fig. to manage just to squeeze through an opening. The child squeaked through the opening and escaped. Sally squeaked through and got away.

2. Fig. to manage just to get past a barrier, such as an examination or interview. (Fig. on {2}.) Sally just barely squeaked through the interview, but she got the job. I wasn't too alert and I just squeaked through.

See also: through

squeaking wheel gets the oil and squeaky wheel gets the oil

Prov. People who complain the most will get attention or what they want. If you don't get good service at the hotel, make sure to tell the manager that you're dissatisfied. The squeaking wheel gets the oil.

See also: get, oil, wheel