near miss

(noun) a close escape from danger or a disaster

Example Sentences:

When Ricardo arrived at the airport 10 minutes before his flight, it was a near miss. He made the flight, though.

A: Did you pay your rent last month?
B: Yeah, but it was a near miss. I only have $5.00 left in my bank account!

Media:

Similar idioms:

1. close call
2. squeak by
3. hit-and-miss
4. once close to
5. land an account