Translation guide
Describes a situation where the outcome is uncertain and could easily go either way, often with a risk of failure or danger.
Expressing that a situation is precarious, with an uncertain outcome, often in a dangerous or critical context.
Describing a situation where something bad almost happened but was narrowly avoided.
Do not translate 'touch and go' literally as 触って行く (sawatte iku). It will not be understood.
A common phrase meaning the situation is unpredictable and requires vigilance. Often used in news or formal contexts.
彼の病状は予断を許さない状況だ。
His condition is touch and go.
Literally 'one step forward, one step back', used to describe a situation that fluctuates between improvement and worsening, often in medical or competitive contexts.
病状は一進一退で、まだ安心できない。
His condition is touch and go; we can't relax yet.
An idiomatic expression meaning to take a risky course of action, similar to 'touch and go' in the sense of a dangerous gamble.
その計画は危ない橋を渡るようなものだ。
That plan is touch and go.
Means 'a close call' or 'by a hair's breadth'. Used when disaster was narrowly averted.
事故は危機一髪で避けられた。
It was touch and go, but we avoided the accident.
Literally 'the thickness of a sheet of paper', meaning a very narrow margin. Used for situations where the outcome was extremely close.
合格と不合格は紙一重だった。
It was touch and go between passing and failing.