A close thing

Pro Tip 1/3

Outcome Uncertainty

Use when an outcome was uncertain until the very end, and it suggests a feeling of relief or surprise at the result.

After the final whistle, fans sighed in relief; the game had been a close thing.

Pro Tip 2/3

Tense Situation

Implies a tense or stressful situation where the outcome could have easily been different.

Surviving the car accident was a close thing; a second later and it would've been worse.

Pro Tip 3/3

Dramatic Effect

Can be used to describe dramatic situations in storytelling, adding excitement to the narrative.

The hero disarmed the bomb at 1 second left—it was a close thing.