Too close for comfort
phrase
In a situation where something unpleasant or unwanted is almost happening.
The ball flew past my head too close for comfort.
Often appears as...
- get too close for comfort
- feels too close for comfort
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Being uncomfortably near to someone or something, physically or emotionally.
He was standing too close for comfort, invading my personal space.
Often appears as...
- stand too close for comfort
- feels too close for comfort
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
In a situation where something unpleasant or unwanted is almost happening.
The ball flew past my head too close for comfort.
Often appears as...
- get too close for comfort
- feels too close for comfort
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Being uncomfortably near to someone or something, physically or emotionally.
He was standing too close for comfort, invading my personal space.
Often appears as...
- stand too close for comfort
- feels too close for comfort
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Implication
Indicates a potential risk or danger that feels too near for one's comfort.
The lightning strike was too close for comfort.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Can be used metaphorically, not just physically, to describe a narrow avoidance of a bad outcome.
Their financial crisis came too close for comfort to ruining the holiday plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tension
Describes situations that create tension or anxiety, even if no physical danger is present.
The argument between them felt too close for comfort.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Implication
Indicates a potential risk or danger that feels too near for one's comfort.
The lightning strike was too close for comfort.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Can be used metaphorically, not just physically, to describe a narrow avoidance of a bad outcome.
Their financial crisis came too close for comfort to ruining the holiday plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tension
Describes situations that create tension or anxiety, even if no physical danger is present.
The argument between them felt too close for comfort.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Implication
Indicates a potential risk or danger that feels too near for one's comfort.
The lightning strike was too close for comfort.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Can be used metaphorically, not just physically, to describe a narrow avoidance of a bad outcome.
Their financial crisis came too close for comfort to ruining the holiday plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tension
Describes situations that create tension or anxiety, even if no physical danger is present.
The argument between them felt too close for comfort.
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