Meaning of the word "a close call" in English

What does "a close call" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

a close call

US /ə kloʊs kɔl/
UK /ə kləʊs kɔːl/
"a close call" picture

Idiom

a narrow escape from danger or disaster; a situation in which something bad almost happened but was avoided

Example:
The car swerved just in time; it was a close call.
Missing the train by a minute was a close call, as the next one was delayed for hours.