To win by a nose In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "to win by a nose", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Rachel Nguyen

2021-08-10 12:08

Meaning of To win by a nose

Synonyms:

to win by a whisker , to win by a head , to win by a short head , to win by a neck , win narrowly , succeed by narrow margin , defeat by narrow margin

To win by a nose American informal verb phrase

This phrase is usually used in sport field. Nouns such as head, whisker, neck are sometimes used instead of "nose". We only won by a whisker/neck, but at least we got the conviction we were looking for. You can use "to win by a short head" as well. The race was neck and neck till the very end, but Sally won it by a short head. This expression often refers to a close finish in horse racing.

To succeed in something by only a small amount

It was a very thrilling race. My horse won by a nose only.

The Eniel Team started to make a startling comeback in the second half and won the final round by a nose.

The blue team lost by 1 point to the red one in the last round. As a result, the red team won the competition by a nose.

Other phrases about:

May the best man win

The expression is used at the beginning of a competition to say that you hope the most fastest, strongest, or most skilled succeed person

wins.

heads I win, tails you lose

I will win no matter what happens.

Put the wood in the hole

To close the door

within striking distance (of something)

Very close to reach or accomplish something.

by a country mile

Means very far (by a great distance) or by a large amount

Grammar and Usage of To win by a nose

Verb Forms

to win by a nose
winning by a nose
wins by a nose
won by a nose

The transitive verb "win" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of To win by a nose

A horse’s nose is first over the line at the racetrack and is used as the reference for judging the victor. (Image Source: The Telegraph)

This expression has spread to all different sports as a metaphor for a close contest even though a nose isn’t the first body part to cross the finish line in most human competitions. However, a horse’s nose is first over the line at the racetrack and is used as the reference for judging the victor. In racing parlance, a “nose” also refers to the smallest margin of victory allowed for a horse to be officially declared the winner. Races won by a nose may also have been fought “neck and neck” as the horses ran side by side all the way to the end.

Distances smaller than that are similarly described in reference to the equine body with terms such as a "neck", and a "head", a "short head" or "nose", the smallest possible named advantage by which a horse can win. In France, the term "short neck" is used for a margin intermediate between a head and a neck. Harness race finishing margins are typically measured in meters.

The Origin Cited: Internet .