How Do You Spell BY A WHISKER?

1. "By a whisker" is an idiomatic expression that means achieving something or narrowly escaping a defeat, danger, or failure by a very small margin or a fraction of an amount. It refers to a situation where success or failure is determined by the narrowest of margins, emphasizing the small difference between winning and losing, or between a desirable outcome and an undesirable one. This phrase is derived from the idea of the fine hairs that surround the muzzle and other parts of the face of certain animals, such as cats or dogs, which are referred to as whiskers. Whiskers are extremely thin and sensitive, and they can indicate the slightest of distances or movements.

   The phrase "by a whisker" is commonly used in sports, competitions, or any situation where victory or accomplishment is achieved in a very close manner. It implies a sense of tension or excitement as the outcome is uncertain until the very last moment. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoids a negative consequence or narrowly manages to accomplish something despite the odds. For instance, if a team wins a football game by scoring a goal in the last second or an individual succeeds in passing an exam with the minimum required marks, it can be said that they won or passed "by a whisker." The phrase thus highlights the narrowness of the victory or success, emphasizing the idea that it could have easily gone the other way.

Common Misspellings for BY A WHISKER

Idioms with the word BY A WHISKER