close call

[keitra]

What does call mean in the phrase 'closs call'?

[Quizmonster]

One of the - very many - meanings of 'call' is 'decision'. Thus, a referee might blow his whistle for offside in a situation in which the match commentator might think the player was just onside. The reporter might then say: "That was a close call."

In dangerous situations - eg where a car only just missed you as you stepped off the pavement - the 'call' when you said: "That was a close call!"...would mean something similar. That is, some outside agency like the referee - only this time, 'God', perhaps? - called the shot/made the decision in your favour.