A near thing

usgb
noun

An event or situation that almost happened, especially a terrible event.

It was a near thing but the boat missed the iceberg just in time.
Visual representation of "a near thing" - An event or situation that almost happened, especially a terrible event.

Often appears as...

  • it was a near thing
  • have a near thing
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a near thing"
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Context Matters

Use 'a near thing' when telling about events where an outcome was uncertain until the last moment.

Illustration for Context Matters
When we landed safely after severe turbulence, I whispered, 'It was a near thing.'
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Implied Relief

'A near thing' often implies relief that something worse didn't happen.

Illustration for Implied Relief
Jim returned from the wild river trip unharmed; it was such a near thing!
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Tense Situations

Use it when talking about tense situations with high stakes or risk.

Illustration for Tense Situations
He avoided the accident by inches. It was a near thing, indeed.
Visual representation of the word "A near thing"

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