HAIR BREATH Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "hair breadth" refers to an extremely narrow or minimal distance or measurement, typically equivalent to the width of a human hair. It is often used metaphorically to portray a situation or event that is unbelievably close or narrowly avoided.
In a literal sense, "hair breadth" can describe the microscopic width of a strand of hair. This measurement is often utilized in scientific, medical, or manufacturing industries where precision is crucial. For instance, when discussing the width of a thread or the thickness of a coating, a "hair breadth" could be used as an indicator of an incredibly minute measurement.
However, the phrase's more common usage is figurative. It conveys the idea of a hair's width, a small and almost indistinguishable distance. This metaphorical concept is often employed to describe intense and perilous situations where an outcome hangs by a thread. It suggests that a tiny alteration in behavior, a slight change in circumstances, or a fraction of a second delay could have resulted in an entirely different, often catastrophic, outcome.
The term "hair breadth" emphasizes the fragility and delicacy of a situation, highlighting the importance of even the tiniest of details. It conveys a sense of incredible tension, as if the outcome was so narrowly averted that it almost defied the odds. The phrase serves as a reminder of both the precariousness of life's circumstances and the critical significance of even the most minute choices or actions.
Common Misspellings for HAIR BREATH
- hairbreath
- hair breauh
- hair breatx
- hair breatl
- hair breati
- heirbreath
- harebreath
- h air breath
- ha ir breath
- hai r breath
- hair b reath
- hair br eath
- hair bre ath
- hair brea th
- hair breat h
Etymology of HAIR BREATH
The term "hair’s breadth" or "hair's breadth" originated from the Old English word "hær" (or "her") which meant a single hair. The word "breadth" is derived from the Old English word "bred", meaning width or distance. The phrase "hair’s breadth" was commonly used to describe an extremely small measurement or a very narrow distance. Over time, it evolved into the figurative expression "a hair's breadth" or "hair's breadth" which is still used to describe something extremely close or to emphasize the narrowness of a situation or margin.
