This expression was first used literally in the early 20th century to describe someone who had avoided being shot in combat. The phrase took on a non-literal meaning in the second half of the 20th century. [2] X Research source
Your friend: “On the way to work, a car ran a red light and almost hit me! They braked just in time. ” You: “Oh my gosh, what a close call!”
You: “I almost tripped down the stairs, but I caught myself on the railing. ” Your friend: “You narrowly escaped falling down a whole flight of stairs then!”
