close call 1. a very difficult decision Apparently it was a close call, but after a long debate the jury convicted her. 2. something bad that almost happened close shave Sam had several close calls while he was learning to drive with his dad. http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/close+call

close only counts in horseshoes and grenades :P

Means it could have happened but didn't. Like almost getting hit by a baseball but dodging it.

Means something bad/dangerous/embarrassing almost happened to me (but it didn't).