Be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/doing something

usgb
phrase

To be very close to doing or achieving something.

The team came within a whisker of winning the championship
Visual representation of "be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/doing something" - To be very close to doing or achieving something

Often appears as...

  • come within a whisker of victory
  • be within a whisker of success

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/doing something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Closeness

This phrase emphasizes a narrow margin by which something almost happened but didn't.

Illustration for Closeness
She was within a whisker of setting a new record.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Near Success

It's often used to talk about almost achieving a positive outcome or success.

Illustration for Near Success
He came within a whisker of winning the lottery.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Tension and Drama

The phrase can be used to create a sense of drama or suspense about the outcome.

Illustration for Tension and Drama
The explorer came within a whisker of finding the lost city.
Visual representation of the word "Be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/doing something"

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