squeak
1
5.3
- noun
- /skwiːk/
- Informal
:
por los pelos
- Regardless, if you want my prediction, Obama will win by a squeak.
Examples
-
That was a narrow squeak.
-
Well, Ford had enough cash reserves to squeak by, but General Motors and Chrysler didn't.
-
I'm the happiest, luckiest guy in the world but by what a narrow squeak.
-
They escaped the flood by a narrow squeak when the dam was finally reinforced.
-
Her project was approved by a squeak during the final review meeting.
-
The car made it to the finish line by a narrow squeak, just before the time ran out.
Synonyms
43
3.7
A situation when something bad almost happens but is avoided
4
7.8
A result decided by a very small difference
4
3.1
A situation in which someone just avoids danger or a bad result
3
3.9
A situation where you almost have something bad happen
1
6.3
A very small distance in a close call
Antonyms
Compounds
1
7.3
A British dish made by frying leftover cabbage and potatoes, often served with eggs or bacon
How Close
- Informal
1
5.3
- Informal
4
3.1
- Informal
43
3.7
8
3.4
- Literature
1
4.3
Surface Forms
Etymology
Squeak used for a narrow escape is best remembered as a helpful image: think of slipping away with only a tiny squeak — you just made it. So a squeak in this sense is a 'close call' or escape by a very small margin.