How to Pronounce "have a close call"
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɫoʊs/, /ˈkɫoʊz/ /ˈkɔɫ
HAV uh KLOHS KAWL
hæv/ /æɪ/ /kləʊz/ /kˈɔːl
HAV uh KLOHZ KAWL
Definition
To narrowly avoid danger or a bad outcome; to almost experience something bad, but manage to escape it at the last moment.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈkɫoʊs/, /ˈkɫoʊz/ /ˈkɔɫ
British English
hæv/ /æɪ/ /kləʊz/ /kˈɔːl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HAV uh KLOHS KAWL
UK
HAV uh KLOHZ KAWL
Listen in Context
We had a close call when the car stopped just in time.
She had a close call with food poisoning last night.
The hikers had a close call during the storm.
Wow, that was a close call. I almost dropped my phone in the river!