BY WHISKER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "by whisker" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate a close or narrow margin of success or failure in a particular event or competition. It implies that the outcome was determined by an extremely small or insignificant difference, often likened to the width of a whisker.
When used in contexts involving competitions, sports, or games, "by whisker" suggests that the victorious party achieved their win by a very narrow margin, sometimes barely noticeable. It emphasizes the intense nature of the competition and highlights the slim advantage enjoyed by the winner.
Beyond the realm of competition, "by whisker" can also be used more broadly to describe situations in which success or failure hinges on a tiny gap or distinction. For example, someone might say that a person passed an exam "by whisker" when they obtained a passing score by a negligible margin.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the fine hair-like structures on certain animals' faces, called whiskers. These hairs are extremely sensitive, aiding the animals in detecting even the slightest changes in their surroundings. The phrase "by whisker" draws on this imagery to evoke the idea of a result being determined by an infinitesimal difference, highlighting the importance of every minor detail in achieving a desired outcome.
Common Misspellings for BY WHISKER
- vy whisker
- ny whisker
- hy whisker
- gy whisker
- bt whisker
- bg whisker
- bh whisker
- bu whisker
- b7 whisker
- b6 whisker
- by qhisker
- by ahisker
- by shisker
- by ehisker
- by 3hisker
- by 2hisker
- by wgisker
- by wbisker
- by wnisker
- by wjisker
Etymology of BY WHISKER
The phrase "by whisker" is commonly used to describe a very close or narrow margin of victory or success. However, it is important to note that "by whisker" is a colloquial expression and not a specific word with an etymology.
The use of the word "whisker" in this context refers to the fine, hair-like projections found near the mouth of certain animals, such as cats. These whiskers are extremely sensitive and help animals with awareness of their surroundings. By extension, the phrase "by whisker" is used metaphorically to indicate a victory or success that was won by the smallest or narrowest of margins.
While the exact origins of this idiom are unclear, it is likely that it developed from a combination of the literal meaning of "whisker" and the idea of a small measurement or narrow margin.
