* Near miss: This is the most common and general term for a close call.
* Close shave: This implies a narrow escape from danger, often with a humorous connotation.
* Hair's breadth: This is a more formal and poetic way to say a close call, emphasizing how narrowly something was avoided.
* Close encounter: This emphasizes the proximity of the event to causing harm.
Ultimately, the best word to use depends on the context and the specific situation you are describing.