hair's breadth; extremely critical situation
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesidiom
a hair's breadth; extremely narrow space
literaryLiterally describes a gap too narrow for a single hair to pass through. Used to emphasize extreme closeness or precision.
The two jade pieces fit together seamlessly, truly leaving not a hair's breadth of space.
The distance between these two buildings is designed with hair's breadth precision, making full use of the land.
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The margin of error in his calculation was a hair's breadth; the result was perfectly accurate.
idiom
extremely critical; imminent danger
literaryA metaphor for a situation so precarious that disaster is just a hair's breadth away. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe dire straits.
The floodwaters have reached the top of the dam; the situation is extremely critical.
The talks have broken down, and the relations between the two countries are on the razor's edge of danger.
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At the moment of imminent danger, the firefighters rescued the trapped child.
The company's cash flow is extremely critical; they must find investment immediately.