Too Close for Comfort — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Far too near to danger or failure for your liking.

When something is too close for comfort, you only just escaped and the near miss stays with you.

It is used to show relief mixed with a chill.

Use it when…

When a car accident nearly happens and leaves you shaken
When a team wins by a very small margin after almost losing
When a financial situation nearly goes wrong but just barely doesn't

Don’t confuse with...

"On Thin Ice"

—

In a risky situation where any mistake could cause failure

"Dodged a Bullet"

—

Avoided a bad outcome that could have happened

"Too Close for Comfort"

—

Something dangerously near to a bad outcome that causes discomfort

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Too Close for Comfort" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

Losing the pitch by just one vote was too close for comfort — the team resolved to over-prepare next time.

Relationships & Social Life

Emotional Situations

When his test results came back clear, he admitted that the whole experience had been too close for comfort.

Media & Everyday Life

Daily Situations

The cyclist ran a red light and narrowly missed her — she stood there shaking because it was too close for comfort.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Too Close for Comfort" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to colleague

Colleague

We met the deadline, but only because we worked through the night.

You

That was too close for comfort — we need a better process before the next one.

Relationships

Talking to partner

You

The car in front of us nearly hit us on the highway.

Partner

I know — that was too close for comfort. My heart is still pounding.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

You

I almost missed my flight because the passport check took forever.

Friend

That sounds too close for comfort — I'd have been a mess.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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