by a canvas

by a canvas

By an extremely short or slim margin (of distance, time, or another measure). The phrase comes from boat racing, as the front end of a racing boat was at one time covered with canvas. They're just about to close the gates! It looks like we made the flight by a canvas. The race was neck and neck till the very end, but Sally won it by a canvas.
See also: by, canvas
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

by a canvas

by a small margin.
The tapered front end of a racing boat was formerly covered with canvas to prevent water being taken on board. In this context, to win by a canvas meant to win by the length between the tip of the bow and the first oarsman.
See also: by, canvas
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wash overboard
  • breast up
  • shove off
  • float
  • float (one's) boat
  • float somebody's boat
  • float someone's boat
  • take (someone) for a ride, to
  • full boat
  • little man in the boat