Win by a nose: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Win by a nose” mean?

"Win by a nose" means to win a competition or race by a very small margin.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He won by a nose in the final sprint.

Example

The two teams were neck and neck, but our team won by a nose.

Example

She won by a nose in the photo finish

Is “Win by a nose” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Win by a nose” 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 “Win by a nose” effectively in context?

You can use "Win by a Nose" to describe winning a competition or race by a very small margin. It emphasizes the close and competitive nature of the victory. For example, if your friend narrowly wins a game of chess, you can say, 'Congratulations! You won by a nose!'

• 1. Sports

  In the final seconds of the game, our team scored a goal and won by a nose.

• 2. Elections

  After a tight race, the candidate won by a nose with just a few votes.

• 3. Contests

  The talent show was fierce, but she impressed the judges and won by a nose.

Similar phrases to “Win by a nose”:

Edge out

To narrowly defeat or surpass someone or something

Example

She edged out her opponent and won the tennis match.

Narrowly beat

To defeat someone or something by a small margin

Example

The team narrowly beat their rivals in the final minutes of the game.

Squeak by

To barely succeed or win, often by a small margin

Example

They squeaked by with a victory in the last round of the competition.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Win by a nose” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Win by a Nose" comes from horse racing. In horse racing, the winner is determined by the position of the horse's nose at the finish line. If a horse wins by a nose, it means that it has won the race by a very small margin.

Is “Win by a nose” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Win by a Nose" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used in sports, competitions, and other situations where there is a close and narrow victory.

What tone does “Win by a nose” have?

"Win by a Nose" conveys a tone of excitement and competitiveness. It highlights the thrill of winning by a small margin and the satisfaction that comes with a hard-fought victory.

Can “Win by a nose” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Win by a Nose" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations among friends or in more formal contexts such as sports commentaries or business presentations.

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 nose.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We won by a nose!' to express a close victory.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• win by a hair
• win by a whisker
• win by a slim margin
• win by a small margin
• win narrowly

Antonyms

• lose by a mile
• lose by a landslide
• lose decisively
• lose by a wide margin