thinnest margin

[ˈθɪnəst ˈmɑrdʒɪn]
noun phrasepl: thinnest margins
margem mais estreita
1. The smallest difference or gap between two competing values, scores, or positions; a victory or result achieved by the smallest possible advantage
The candidate won the election by the thinnest margin, with only 50 votes separating the two candidates.
O candidato venceu a eleição pela margem mais estreita, com apenas 50 votos separando os dois candidatos.
2. A very narrow or minimal edge or boundary in measurements, time, or space
The spacecraft passed by the asteroid by the thinnest margin, missing collision by mere meters.
A nave espacial passou perto do asteroide pela margem mais estreita, evitando colisão por meros metros.
This phrase is commonly used in Brazilian sports commentary, political elections, and business contexts to describe extremely competitive situations. In American English, it's frequently heard in sports broadcasts and political analysis, reflecting the cultural emphasis on competitive achievement and narrow victories as dramatic moments worthy of special recognition.
NYC Slang
by a hair
Synonyms / Sinônimos
narrowest marginslightest marginsmallest gaphair's breadthclose callnear miss
Antonyms / Antônimos
widest marginlargest gapcomfortable margindecisive victory

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
margem mais estreita
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
margem mínima
Also commonly used in business and sports contexts
Rio de Janeiro
diferença mínima
Alternative construction used in sports broadcasting
Portugal
margem mais reduzida
Portuguese European variation with slightly different terminology

Related Words

margingapdifferenceedgenarrow victoryclose contest

Related Idioms & Phrases

win by a whisker
by the skin of your teeth
close shave
nearly didn't make it
escaped by a hair's breadth
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