How Do You Spell BY A HAIR?

Pronunciation: [ba͡ɪ ɐ hˈe͡ə] (IPA)

The phrase "by a hair" is typically used to describe a very close call or a narrowly avoided disaster. Phonetically, it is spelled /baɪ ə hɛr/. The "by" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, and the "a" in "hair" is pronounced with a short "ɛ" sound. The "h" in "hair" is silent, and the stress is on the second syllable, "hɛr". This phrase is commonly used in English-speaking countries and has become a popular idiom in everyday conversation.

BY A HAIR Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "by a hair" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a victory, achievement, or success is extremely close or narrowly achieved. Derived from the characteristic thinness and fragility of hair strands, this phrase presents a visual metaphor to emphasize the minimal difference between two competing entities or outcomes.

   When someone wins by a hair, it means they have emerged victorious with the smallest possible margin or a near tie, often resulting in a subjective or arbitrary decision. This term is frequently applied in various competitive contexts such as sports, debates, or elections, where slight mistakes or lucky circumstances can determine the outcome. For instance, if a runner crosses the finish line just a split second ahead of their competitor, they can be considered the winner by a hair.

   The idiom also conveys a sense of suspense or uncertainty, as the outcome could have easily tipped in favor of the opposing party by an equally small margin. It highlights the fine line between success and failure, underscoring how even the most negligible factors can make a significant difference. Furthermore, the phrase can extend beyond competitive events and be utilized to describe any situation in which a narrow escape or success occurs with minimal leeway.

Common Misspellings for BY A HAIR

• vy a hair
• ny a hair
• hy a hair
• gy a hair
• bt a hair
• bg a hair
• bh a hair
• bu a hair
• b7 a hair
• b6 a hair
• by z hair
• by s hair
• by w hair
• by q hair
• by a gair
• by a bair
• by a nair
• by a jair
• by a uair
• by a yair

Idioms with the word BY A HAIR

• hang by a hair The idiom "hang by a hair" means to be in a very precarious or dangerous situation, where a slight mistake or misfortune could result in a significant and negative consequence. It implies being in a state of extreme vulnerability or being on the brink of failure.
• win (something) by a hair The idiom "win (something) by a hair" means to narrowly win or achieve something by a very small margin or a close call. It portrays a situation where the victory or success was barely obtained, emphasizing the thinness or closeness of the outcome.
• by a hair's breadth By a hair's breadth means by a very small or narrow margin; narrowly; just barely.
• by a hair('s breadth) The idiom "by a hair('s breadth)" means by a very small margin or narrow margin, often used to describe a very close call or near miss.
• by a hair The idiom "by a hair" is used to describe a very small amount or margin by which something narrowly avoids or achieves something else.