have a narrow escape — to barely avoid danger, death, or a serious accident
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to barely avoid danger, death, or a serious accident
Pronunciation (IPA): /hæv ə ˈnæroʊ ɪˈskeɪp/
Example Sentences
- When the elevator suddenly dropped, we all had a narrow escape thanks to the emergency brake.
- My wallet had a narrow escape when I forgot it at the restaurant, but an honest waiter returned it.
- The cat had a narrow escape from the dog by climbing up the curtains.
have a narrow escape
NOUN[/hæv ə ˈnæroʊ ɪˈskeɪp/]
to barely avoid danger, death, or a serious accident
a construction worker quickly dives to the side as a massive steel beam crashes down behind him. The beam hits the ground exactly where he was standing just seconds before. Dust and debris fly up from the impact while the worker rolls safely away. Other construction workers nearby point and shout warnings with shocked expressions on their faces. A crane operator in the background looks down with relief and concern. barely avoiding danger, death, or a serious accident
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines 'narrow' (from Old English 'nearwe', meaning constricted or tight) and 'escape' (from Old Northern French 'escaper', meaning to break free). The expression emerged from the metaphorical image of barely squeezing through a confined space between danger and safety, evoking the narrow gap between death and survival.
Breakdown
narrow (adjective: constricted, tight space) + escape (verb: to break free or get away). The phrase creates a compound meaning where 'narrow' intensifies the closeness of the danger or consequence barely avoided.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the elevator suddenly dropped, we all had a narrow escape thanks to the emergency brake.”
“My wallet had a narrow escape when I forgot it at the restaurant, but an honest waiter returned it.”
“The cat had a narrow escape from the dog by climbing up the curtains.”
“After his narrow escape from the burning building, he never took fire safety lightly again.”
📚Related Words
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