Close shave
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 28/02/2024

The idiom "close shave" is used to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoids a dangerous or unpleasant outcome. It originates from the act of shaving, where a close shave means removing hair very closely to the skin without causing any cuts or injuries. In a figurative sense, a close shave refers to a near-miss or a narrow escape from harm.
Here are a few examples to help illustrate the usage of this idiom:
1. "I had a close shave this morning when I almost got hit by a speeding car while crossing the road."
   In this example, the person narrowly avoided being hit by a car, highlighting a close call or a near-accident.
2. "The company had a close shave with bankruptcy but managed to secure a last-minute loan."
   Here, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, but they were able to secure a loan just in time, narrowly avoiding financial ruin.
3. "Tom had a close shave when he forgot about his important presentation but managed to prepare it in the nick of time."
   This sentence showcases a situation where Tom almost missed his presentation but managed to prepare it just before the deadline, avoiding embarrassment or negative consequences.
4. "We had a close shave with the storm as it changed its course at the last moment."
   This example demonstrates how a storm was predicted to hit a certain area, but it changed its path at the last moment, resulting in a narrow escape for the people in that area.
Overall, the idiom "close shave" is used to describe situations where someone narrowly avoids a potentially harmful or unpleasant outcome. It emphasizes the idea of a near-miss or a narrow escape, similar to the act of shaving closely without causing any cuts.