Have a close shave Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɫoʊs/, /ˈkɫoʊz/ /ˈʃeɪv
HAV uh KLOHS SHAYV
hæv/ /æɪ/ /kləʊz/ /ʃˈeɪv
hav uh KLOHZ SHAYV
Definition
To narrowly avoid an accident or danger; to escape harm by a very small margin.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used after an accident is narrowly avoided, especially in driving or risky situations. Can describe any situation where disaster was missed by a small margin. Don’t confuse with literal shaving — it’s always about close calls.
Spanish: estar a punto de tener un accidente - salvarse por pocoPortuguese (BR): escapar por pouco - passar por um apertoPortuguese (PT): escapar por pouco - passar por um trizChinese (Simplified): 死里逃生 - 千钧一发Chinese (Traditional): 死裡逃生 - 千鈞一髮Hindi: बाल-बाल बचनाArabic: ينجو بأعجوبة - كاد يتعرض لحادثBengali: অল্পের জন্য বেঁচে যাওয়া - বিপদ থেকে রক্ষা পাওয়াRussian: чуть не попасть в беду - чудом избежать опасностиJapanese: 危機一髪のところで助かる - 危ないところを切り抜けるVietnamese: thoát nạn trong gang tấc - suýt gặp nguy hiểmKorean: 간신히 위기를 모면하다 - 아슬아슬하게 피하다Turkish: teğet geçmek - ucuz atlatmakUrdu: بال بال بچنا - خطرے سے بچ جاناIndonesian: hampir celaka - nyaris mengalami bahaya
Example Sentences
I had a close shave when the car almost hit me.
basic
John had a close shave while crossing the busy street.
basic
We had a close shave on our hike but made it out safely.
basic
That was a close shave—I almost dropped my laptop off the balcony!
natural
He told me he had a close shave skiing last weekend—almost hit a tree.
natural
Wow, you had a close shave there! Next time, be more careful.
natural