Hairbreadth: meaning, definitions and examples
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hairbreadth
[ ˈhɛərˌbrɛdθ ]
very small distance
Hairbreadth refers to an extremely narrow margin or degree, often indicating something that is just barely achieved or avoided. The term is often used to express a situation in which something is very nearly failed or narrowly escaped.
Synonyms
close call, narrow margin, slim chance.
Examples of usage
- He won the race by a hairbreadth.
- The difference in their scores was just a hairbreadth.
- She escaped the accident by a hairbreadth.
- The project succeeded by a hairbreadth.
Translations
Translations of the word "hairbreadth" in other languages:
🇵🇹 pelo de cabelo
🇮🇳 बाल की चौड़ाई
🇩🇪 Haarbreite
🇮🇩 lebar rambut
🇺🇦 волосся
🇵🇱 włos
🇯🇵 髪の幅
🇫🇷 largeur de cheveux
🇪🇸 ancho de cabello
🇹🇷 saç genişliği
🇰🇷 머리 너비
🇸🇦 عرض الشعر
🇨🇿 šířka vlasů
🇸🇰 šírka vlasov
🇨🇳 发宽
🇸🇮 širina las
🇮🇸 hárbreidd
🇰🇿 шаштың ені
🇬🇪 თმის სიგანე
🇦🇿 saç genişliyi
🇲🇽 ancho de cabello
Etymology
The word 'hairbreadth' originates from the Old English 'hǣr' meaning 'hair' and 'breadth', which refers to the width or extent of something. It literally conveys the idea of the thinness of a hair, symbolizing a very fine distance or a narrow margin. The term has been in use in the English language since around the 16th century, often metaphorically to describe situations that are exceptionally close or precarious. The figurative use of 'hairbreadth' emphasizes the very thin line between success and failure, highlighting the fragility and uncertainty in various contexts, such as in competitions, decisions, or escapes.