Läheltäpääsevä

Läheltäpääsevä is a Finnish term that translates to "close call" or "near miss" in English. It describes a situation where an accident or undesirable event almost occurs but is narrowly avoided. The emphasis is on the proximity to danger or a negative outcome.

The concept of läheltäpääsevä can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, from minor everyday incidents to more serious events. For instance, a driver who almost collides with another car but manages to brake in time has experienced a läheltäpääsevä. Similarly, someone who narrowly escapes injury from a falling object or a slippery surface has had a close call. In a more abstract sense, it can refer to a situation where a project or plan almost fails but is salvaged at the last moment.

The feeling associated with a läheltäpääsevä is often a mixture of relief and a renewed appreciation for safety or the successful outcome. It serves as a reminder of the potential for danger or failure and can lead to increased caution or a re-evaluation of actions taken. The term highlights the thin line that sometimes separates a fortunate escape from a negative consequence. It is a common expression used to describe everyday experiences where danger is averted by a small margin.