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!

Examples of cut it close in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Airlines are adjusting the cutoff for their check-in times, lest any passengers might have thoughts of trying to cut it close to avoid spending more time at the airport. — Dennis Green, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025

If their recent win against Minnesota had ended at the 37-minute mark, when Maryland had a 20-point lead before allowing Minnesota a 20-6 run to cut it close, the Terps would’ve jumped quite a few spots in the NET. — Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

For those who like to cut it close, consider flying out of John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. — Dallas News, 20 Dec. 2022

Rhymes for cut it close

• adios
• adipose
• amylose
• bellicose
• cellulose
• centavos
• comatose
• diagnose
• grandiose
• granulose
• levulose
• overdose