Within an inch of something/of doing something
phrase
Very close to experiencing or happening something, usually something negative or dangerous.
He came within an inch of losing his life in that car accident.

Often appears as...
- within an inch of death
- within an inch of losing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To nearly reach or accomplish something.
Mary was within an inch of breaking the world record.

Often appears as...
- within an inch of victory
- within an inch of success
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Very close to experiencing or happening something, usually something negative or dangerous.
He came within an inch of losing his life in that car accident.

Often appears as...
- within an inch of death
- within an inch of losing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To nearly reach or accomplish something.
Mary was within an inch of breaking the world record.

Often appears as...
- within an inch of victory
- within an inch of success
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Negative outcomes
Often used to describe narrowly avoided bad outcomes or disasters.

She was within an inch of being fired for her mistake.
Intensity
Emphasizes the severity or intensity of a situation that was closely avoided.

He was within an inch of disaster when the rope almost snapped.
Expressing relief
Used for expressing a sense of relief after avoiding a very close call.

We were within an inch of being caught in the storm.
Negative outcomes
Often used to describe narrowly avoided bad outcomes or disasters.

She was within an inch of being fired for her mistake.
Intensity
Emphasizes the severity or intensity of a situation that was closely avoided.

He was within an inch of disaster when the rope almost snapped.
Expressing relief
Used for expressing a sense of relief after avoiding a very close call.

We were within an inch of being caught in the storm.
Negative outcomes
Often used to describe narrowly avoided bad outcomes or disasters.

She was within an inch of being fired for her mistake.
Intensity
Emphasizes the severity or intensity of a situation that was closely avoided.

He was within an inch of disaster when the rope almost snapped.
Expressing relief
Used for expressing a sense of relief after avoiding a very close call.

We were within an inch of being caught in the storm.
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