as in narrow escape
a barely successful escape from something undesirable the doctor said I'd had a close call, and was lucky to be alive

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of close call In an effort to reduce the number of close calls because of controller errors, the F.A.A. identified numerous areas for improvement. Emily Steel, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 Despite this alarming rise in close calls, Brickhouse tells PEOPLE that flying is still the safest way to travel. Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 The tragedy will likely hinge on the design of helicopter routes and reported failures to heed safety alerts on close calls. William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 The two planes came within 1,680 feet of each other in one of several high-profile close calls at the time. Aaron Cooper, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for close call

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“Close call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/close%20call. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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