際きわどいところ

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'.

• 試し験けんに際きわどいところで合ごう格かくした。

  I passed the exam by a narrow margin.

• 車くるまが来きて、際きわどいところで助たすかった。

  A car came and I was saved at the last moment.