cut it close

phrase

variants or chiefly British cut it fine
: to almost not be able to do something : to almost fail, lose, etc.
They ended up winning the game, but they really cut it close at the end
It's cutting it a bit fine to get to the station at 9:45 when the train leaves at 9:50!

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Cite this Entry

“Cut it close.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20it%20close. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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