squeak
noun
Squeak — a narrow, last-minute escape achieved by the slimmest margin
Definition
Something achieved (or escaped) by a narrow margin
In depth
A squeak, in this informal sense, names something achieved or escaped by a narrow margin, particularly used to describe a victory, success, or escape secured at the very last possible moment, often through luck as much as skill. The word's casual, almost comic sound matches the relief and slight absurdity of having barely made it through.
Origin
The word's onomatopoeic origin, imitating a small, high-pitched sound, extends metaphorically to describe something achieved by the smallest possible margin, as though the outcome itself were as thin and precarious as the faint, barely audible sound the word imitates.
Usage examples
"The team's victory was a squeak, decided by a single point in the game's final seconds."
"He passed the exam by a squeak, scoring just one point above the failing threshold."
"It had been a squeak getting to the airport in time, every traffic light somehow cooperating at the last possible second."
How to use it
Squeak is informal, conversational vocabulary, particularly common in sports writing and casual narrative describing victories or escapes achieved by the narrowest possible margin, often with a light or even humorous tone.
Related concepts
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