a close shave


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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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

close shave (or call)

a narrow escape from danger or disaster. informal
See also: close, shave
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
Oscillating 200 times per second, it certainly packs a punch, and with its bundled stubble combs this shaver is as adept at trimming beards as it is giving a close shave.
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Liz Andrews, Cancer Research Wales director, said: "We'd like to thank all those involved in a Close Shave II this weekend.
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* Schick Quattro for Women - Offering 4 blades for a close shave, the Schick Quattro for Women High Performance Razor includes a pivoting head that brings the flexibility to follow her natural curves
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The three blades flex and pivot, thereby optimizing contact with skin to permit a close shave, while the cartridge's handle features what Schick calls "an improved finger pinch area and a heavier weight for optimal grip."
Latest Schick disposable serves up three blades
A close shave (the good kind, not almost having something bad happen); smooth skin; and no irritation--sold!
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The Philips NIVEA FOR MEN Shaver incorporates cutting-edge rings with a stretch and lift pattern that result in a close shave every time.
Philips has teamed up with NIVEA FOR MEN to unveil a new groundbreaking
PLUCKY hospital worker Helen Edwards had a close shave with a set of clippers to raise money for Comic Relief.
Shear madness! COMIC RELIEF: Helen faces bald truth for charity
A GREAT Barr hairdresser who had 'a close shave' with death ten years ago is now celebrating a decade of good health by giving traditional close shaves in her shop.
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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 Close Shave is 7.5 oz.
Bullie Care packs a punch for men's skin care
"We have taken our knowledge and designed the only four-bladed razor for women with a metal handle that delivers a close shave with precise in-hand control and the ability to shave hard-to-reach areas."
New razor for women from Schick
Company officials Eay that the newest shaver in Bic's hoe is designed to offer a close shave at an affordable price--a four-pack of the Bic Comfort 3 has a suggested retail price of $3.99.
Bic hits a triple. (Nonfoods News)
Choosing a triple blade certainly seems the key to a close shave these days - but which one turns you into the perfect smoothie?
We test: Men's razors
Tony Cascarino was christened Papillon by his Irish team-mates last night - after a close shave in France.
HAIR-RAZOR!; Cas gets cut short
* Shea Butter & African & Black Soap Shave Butter provides a nourishing shave preparation for a close shave.
Therapeutic tack taken by sundial brands
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