Whisker: meaning, definitions and examples

Colloquial or idiomatic usage identical to 'whisker' above. Often appears in expressions or informal conversations to indicate something very close.

• She escaped the accident by a whisker
• ; The beard was starting to grow long, with whiskers all over his face

A more scientific term, often used in zoological or biological contexts. It's specific to sensory hairs on animals, especially in research or academic writing.

• The study focused on the function of the vibrissae in rodents
• ; Birds have vibrissae that help them detect small changes in their environment

This word is often used in informal situations to describe a very small amount or margin, commonly used in competitive contexts or close measurements.

• She won the race by a whisker.
• They missed the deadline by a whisker.

This term is used in casual or informal contexts to indicate a small quantity, often when talking about food or cooking.

• Add a smidgen of salt to the soup.
• He has a smidgen of interest in history.

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a very small or barely detectable amount of something, often related to substances or clues.

• There was a trace amount of lead in the water.
• They found a trace of evidence at the crime scene.

This entry seems to be a duplicate. The earlier context for 'whisker' mentioned can be referred to.

Used to describe a person or group that is the best or most important in a particular area. It has a bit of a competitive connotation.

• He has been the top dog in the company for years.
• When it comes to competitive sports, she is always the top dog.

Refers to the best or most excellent part of a group. It's often used to describe people, products, or any entity that stands out as being the best.

• The students in this class are the cream of the crop.
• These brands represent the cream of the crop in the fashion industry.