
Be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/doing something
Closeness
This phrase emphasizes a narrow margin by which something almost happened but didn't.

She was within a whisker of setting a new record.
Near Success
It's often used to talk about almost achieving a positive outcome or success.

He came within a whisker of winning the lottery.
Tension and Drama
The phrase can be used to create a sense of drama or suspense about the outcome.

The explorer came within a whisker of finding the lost city.
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