HAIRS BREADTH Meaning and
Definition
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A hair's breadth is a phrase used to describe an extremely small or narrow distance or difference between two things or events. It is derived from a metaphoric comparison to the thickness of a hair strand, which is commonly known to be very thin.
When used figuratively, a hair's breadth refers to a measure of closeness or proximity between two objects. It conveys that the separation between them is so minute that it is almost imperceptible. This phrase often indicates that there is almost no space or room for any further distinction, emphasizing the narrowness of the margin. For example, one could say, "They won the game by a hair's breadth," implying that their victory was achieved with an extremely small advantage.
Additionally, the term hair's breadth can also be used to describe a very small difference or distinction between two concepts or opinions. It suggests that the contrasting elements are nearly indistinguishable or very closely aligned. In this context, it reinforces the notion that there is only the slightest divergence between the two ideas. For instance, someone might say, "The two theories are separated by a hair's breadth," suggesting that the disparity between them is minimal.
Overall, hair's breadth is a phrase employed to emphasize the infinitesimal nature of a distance, divergence, or differentiation.
Common Misspellings for HAIRS BREADTH
- gairs breadth
- bairs breadth
- nairs breadth
- jairs breadth
- uairs breadth
- yairs breadth
- hzirs breadth
- hsirs breadth
- hwirs breadth
- hqirs breadth
- haurs breadth
- hajrs breadth
- hakrs breadth
- haors breadth
- ha9rs breadth
- ha8rs breadth
- haies breadth
- haids breadth
- haifs breadth
- haits breadth
Etymology of HAIRS BREADTH
The phrase "hair’s breadth" originally comes from the Middle English term "haires brede" which emerged in the 14th century. It is a compound phrase that combines the word "hair" (referring to a strand of human hair) and "breadth" (meaning width or distance).
The term is derived from the widespread practice of using a hair as a measurement of small distances or differences. In ancient times, especially in the fields of art, engineering, and science, a single strand of hair was used as a unit of measurement to indicate an extremely small distance or a minute difference. People would compare the width of an object or the margin of error against the width of a hair, highlighting the idea that the distance being referred to is very narrow or minuscule.
Over time, the phrase "hair’s breadth" became a figure of speech used to describe a very small or narrow distance, difference, or margin.
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