narrowest margin

[ˈnæroʊɪst ˈmɑrdʒɪn]
noun phrasepl: narrowest margins
margem mais estreita
1. The smallest difference or gap between two competing values, scores, or outcomes; the thinnest boundary separating two positions or results
The candidate won the election by the narrowest margin, receiving just 51 votes more than her opponent.
A candidata venceu a eleição pela margem mais estreita, recebendo apenas 51 votos a mais que sua adversária.
2. In sports or competitions, the least amount of advantage needed to achieve victory
The home team secured victory by the narrowest margin in overtime.
O time da casa garantiu a vitória pela margem mais estreita em tempo extra.
This phrase is commonly used in political elections, sporting events, and competitive contexts in both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese. In Brazil, it frequently appears in sports journalism and election coverage. The concept emphasizes the drama and tension of closely contested outcomes, and is culturally significant in competitive contexts across both cultures.
NYC Slang
by a whisker; razor-thin win
Synonyms / Sinônimos
slimmest marginclosest marginthinnest marginslightest edgerazor-thin difference
Antonyms / Antônimos
widest marginlargest margingreatest differencebiggest lead

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
margem mais estreita
standard usage in business, politics, and sports contexts
Brazil (Informal)
por um fio
colloquial expression meaning 'by a thread' or 'by the narrowest margin'
Portugal
margem mais apertada
alternative phrasing used in European Portuguese
General American
narrowest margin
standard phrase used in all formal contexts

Related Words

margin of victoryclose callby a hairtight raceclose contest

Related Idioms & Phrases

win by a nose
by the skin of one's teeth
by a hair's breadth
by a thread
a close shave
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