a close shave


Also found in: Wikipedia.

close shave

A narrow escape from or avoidance of a situation, often an unfavorable or dangerous one. I had a close shave this morning when a tractor trailer unexpectedly swerved into my lane.
See also: close, shave

a close shave

 and a close call
a narrow escape. (See also .) Wow, that was a close shave. I thought the guard would spot us. The speeding car passed only a few inches from us—a real close call.
See also: close, shave

a close shave

If someone has a close shave, they very nearly have a bad accident or very nearly suffer a defeat. It was a close shave — if I hadn't been paying attention we could both have been flattened. McGregor had a close shave when a 7ft polar bear ran at him while he was filming a documentary about the animals in Canada. Gingrich had a close shave in the 1990 general election.
See also: close, shave

close shave (or call)

a narrow escape from danger or disaster. informal
See also: close, shave

a ˌclose ˈshave/ˈcall

(informal) a situation where a disaster, an accident, etc. almost happens: We didn’t actually hit the other car, but it was a close shave. ♢ Phew! That was a close call — she nearly saw us!
See also: call, close, shave

close shave

and close call
n. a narrow escape. The car passed this close to us—a real close call. Man, that was a close call!
See also: close, shave
References in periodicals archive ?
Shea Butter & African & Black Soap Shave Butter provides a nourishing shave preparation for a close shave.
Therapeutic tack taken by sundial brands
She said: "I certainly had a close shave ten years ago when the doctors thought I would never walk again.
A close shave for Anita; GREAT BARR
Pretty soon, there was more than a grand thrown in the pot by people who wanted the chance to give Sharky a close shave.
A VETERAN, A CAUSE AND A CLOSE SHAVE
Bullie's gel formula maintains a clear blue color to help men see where they should (or shouldn't) shave, while cutting down on the number of passes needed for a close shave.
Bullie Care packs a punch for men's skin care
However, electric shaving is harsher on the skin, as it strips away natural oils and usually requires the hairs to be dry and brittle to get a close shave.
Vital Plus: Smooth operator; Take the burn out of being bare-faced with these top tips for a superior shave: Up FRONT with Claire Williams, spa manager at Llangollen's Wild Pheasant Hotel
A Stiff Drink and a Close Shave is a book that came out a few years back, bemoaning our harried lifestyle and its eventual effect: the loss of simple, take-your-time pleasures, which brings us to The Art of Shay ing, a new volume that believes in "bringing art and passion to a daily routine" Every possible angle--from the history of shaving to skin preparation to razor selection--is covered.
By a whisker
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?