NARROW SQUEAKS Meaning and
Definition
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"Narrow squeaks" is a colloquial expression used to describe a situation where someone experiences a narrow escape or a close call. The phrase suggests a narrow margin between success and failure, often implying that the outcome could have easily gone the other way.
The term "narrow squeaks" can be traced back to the mid-19th century, where "squeak" referred to a high-pitched sound made by a small animal or a door hinge. The word "narrow" emphasizes the close passage or proximity to danger or failure. Combining these elements, "narrow squeaks" figuratively represents the notion of barely avoiding a negative or undesirable outcome.
The phrase typically conveys a sense of relief and gratitude for escaping a precarious situation. It can be used to describe various scenarios, including a near miss in a dangerous activity, a last-minute escape from an accident, or narrowly avoiding trouble or punishment in a risky endeavor.
Overall, "narrow squeaks" underscores the element of chance, luck, or sheer fortune associated with narrowly avoiding a potentially detrimental or unfortunate event. The use of this expression allows people to vividly depict the intensity and uncertainty of narrowly escaping an unfavorable circumstance, using an imagery that evokes a sense of tension and close proximity to danger.
Common Misspellings for NARROW SQUEAKS
- barrow squeaks
- marrow squeaks
- jarrow squeaks
- harrow squeaks
- nzrrow squeaks
- nsrrow squeaks
- nwrrow squeaks
- nqrrow squeaks
- naerow squeaks
- nadrow squeaks
- nafrow squeaks
- natrow squeaks
- na5row squeaks
- na4row squeaks
- nareow squeaks
- nardow squeaks
- narfow squeaks
- nartow squeaks
- nar5ow squeaks
- nar4ow squeaks
Etymology of NARROW SQUEAKS
The term "narrow squeak" is a colloquial phrase that dates back to the early 19th century. It combines two separate words: "narrow", meaning barely escaping danger or a difficult situation, and "squeak", which refers to a high-pitched sound made by a quick or sudden movement.
The etymology of "narrow" can be traced back to the Old English word "nearu", meaning narrow, or tight. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word "narwe" and eventually became "narrow" in Modern English.
"Squeak", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "squken", which meant to utter a high-pitched sound or a squeal. This word is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound it describes.
