What does “By a whisker” mean?
"By a whisker" means winning or achieving something by a very small margin or barely.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He won the race by a whisker.
Example
The team lost the game by a whisker.
Example
She passed the exam by a whisker
Is “By a whisker” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“By a whisker” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “By a whisker” effectively in context?
You can use "By a whisker" to describe a situation where someone narrowly or barely achieves something, often by a very small margin. For example, if someone wins a race by a very small distance, you can say, 'He won the race "by a whisker".'
- 1Sports
The team lost the game by a whisker, missing the winning goal in the last few seconds.
- 2Academics
She passed the exam by a whisker, getting just enough points to meet the passing grade.
- 3Competition
In a close competition, he finished second by a whisker, just a fraction behind the winner.
Similar phrases to “By a whisker”:
By a small margin or with a small difference
Example
They narrowly escaped the accident.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “By a whisker” come from?
The origin of the phrase "By a whisker" is unknown.
Is “By a whisker” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "By a whisker" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize a narrow or close outcome in various situations.
What tone does “By a whisker” have?
"By a whisker" conveys a tone of excitement and tension. It highlights the thrill of a close call or a narrowly achieved victory.
Can “By a whisker” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "By a whisker" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a situation with a very small margin. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or academic discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He won the race "by a whisker".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We won "by a whisker"!' to express a close victory.
