Within an inch of something/of doing something

usgb
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.
Visual representation of "within an inch of something/of doing something" - Very close to experiencing or happening something, usually something negative or dangerous.

Often appears as...

  • within an inch of death
  • within an inch of losing

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "within an inch of something/of doing something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative outcomes

Often used to describe narrowly avoided bad outcomes or disasters.

Illustration for Negative outcomes
She was within an inch of being fired for her mistake.
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Intensity

Emphasizes the severity or intensity of a situation that was closely avoided.

Illustration for Intensity
He was within an inch of disaster when the rope almost snapped.
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Expressing relief

Used for expressing a sense of relief after avoiding a very close call.

Illustration for Expressing relief
We were within an inch of being caught in the storm.
Visual representation of the word "Within an inch of something/of doing something"

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