English idiom

by a baw hair

Register · Informal CEFR C2

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Figurative meaning

by an extremely small amount or margin; only just

Why this phrase?

Scottish vulgar slang: a baw hair is literally a pubic hair, imagined as an extremely small unit of measurement. Use only in informal settings where coarse language is acceptable.

Example

“He missed the last train by a baw hair.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

by a baw-hair
by a bawhair

Component words

by a hair

Tags

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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