photo finish

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noun

: a finish in a race in which the racers are so close that the judges have to look at a photograph of the racers crossing the finish line to see who has won

Full Definition of PHOTO FINISH

1

:  a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner

2

:  a close contest

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First Known Use of PHOTO FINISH

1936