A near thing
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Use 'a near thing' when telling about events where an outcome was uncertain until the last moment. 
When we landed safely after severe turbulence, I whispered, 'It was a near thing.'
Pro Tip 2/3Implied Relief
'A near thing' often implies relief that something worse didn't happen. 
Jim returned from the wild river trip unharmed; it was such a near thing!
Pro Tip 3/3Tense Situations
Use it when talking about tense situations with high stakes or risk. 
He avoided the accident by inches. It was a near thing, indeed.