a close shave

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.

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.

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.

close shave (or call)

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

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

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
See also:
  • close shave
  • have a close shave
  • shave
  • a close call
  • a close shave/call
  • close call
  • close call/shave, a
  • get more than (one) bargained for
  • between the devil and the deep blue sea
  • devil and deep blue sea
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.
Best electric shavers and trimmers for men for 2019; Clean shaven or stubble, whatever your facial hair preference, a good electric shaver is a must-have for the modern man. Take a look at our round up of the best shavers you can buy for a razor sharp look
Liz Andrews, Cancer Research Wales director, said: "We'd like to thank all those involved in a Close Shave II this weekend.
Fundraisers chop off their locks for charity
* 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
800Razors Boosts Women's Catalog, Introducing Pikake Flower Shave Soap, Gillette and Schick Women's Razors
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!
Drop that razor: let the revolution begin
Gareth Day will be given a close shave at the Jolly Sailor in Prestatyn.
Beard cut for hospice
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.
A close shave for Anita; GREAT BARR
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