# by an eyelash

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/by-an-eyelash
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

By a very small amount or distance.

## Examples

- He won the race by an eyelash.
- The team missed the championship title by an eyelash after the final goal was disallowed.
- Although the opposition campaigned tirelessly, the incumbent candidate retained his seat by an eyelash, narrowly avoiding a political upset.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.