What does “Within a whisker” mean?
"Within a whisker" means being very close or narrowly avoiding something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He missed the bus by within a whisker.
Example
The team won the game by within a whisker.
Example
She passed the exam within a whisker of failing
Is “Within a whisker” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Within 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 “Within a whisker” effectively in context?
You can use "Within a whisker" to describe a situation where something or someone narrowly avoids or comes very close to a particular outcome. For example, if someone barely misses catching a train, you could say, 'He missed the train by within a whisker.'
- 1Sports
The team won the game by within a whisker, scoring the winning goal in the last few seconds.
- 2Transportation
She caught her flight within a whisker, arriving at the gate just as it was about to close.
- 3Academics
He passed the exam within a whisker of failing, getting just enough points to scrape by.
Similar phrases to “Within a whisker”:
By a hair's breadth
Very close or narrowly avoiding something
Example
He won the race by a hair's breadth, crossing the finish line just ahead of his competitor.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Within a whisker” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Within a whisker" is unknown.
Is “Within a whisker” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Within a whisker" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize how close someone or something came to a particular outcome.
What tone does “Within a whisker” have?
"Within a whisker" conveys a tone of suspense or excitement. It highlights the narrow margin between success and failure, victory and defeat.
Can “Within a whisker” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Within a whisker" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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 missed the bus by within a whisker.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That was close, "within a whisker"!' to express a narrow escape.
