close shave

close shave (plural close shaves)

1. A shave that is very short or near the skin.

   He used a new razor blade for a good close shave.

2. (figuratively) A near accident or mishap; a dangerous or risky encounter or incident.

   I had a close shave with somebody who pulled out in front of me on the road, but I swerved and managed not to hit him.

• by a hair's breadth