expression, noun
close call; narrow margin; the eleventh hour
Describes a situation where something almost failed or was barely achieved. Often used with で to mean 'by a narrow margin' or 'at the last moment'.
試験に際どいところで合格した。
I passed the exam by a narrow margin.
車が来て、際どいところで助かった。
A car came and I was saved at the last moment.
ぎりぎり is an adverb/noun meaning 'just barely' or 'at the limit', often used for time or capacity. 際どいところ emphasizes the risky or close-call nature of a situation.
すれすれ means 'almost touching' or 'barely above', often used for physical proximity or minimum standards. 際どいところ is more about a critical moment or outcome.
Phrase composed of 際どい (きわどい, 'close, risky, borderline') + ところ ('place, point, moment'). The adjective 際どい derives from 際 (きわ, 'edge, brink') + どい (adjective-forming suffix).