hajszálon

The Hungarian word "hajszálon" translates to "by a hair" or "on a hair" in English. It is a colloquial expression used to denote a situation that was very close to failing, succeeding, or happening. It emphasizes a narrow margin or a slight difference between two outcomes.

The phrase originates from the literal image of something being dependent on the thickness of a single hair. If something is "hajszálon múlik" (it depends on a hair), it means the outcome is extremely uncertain and could easily tip in either direction. This can apply to situations of luck, skill, or circumstance.

For example, if a sports team wins a match "hajszálon", it means they won by a very small margin, perhaps a single point or a last-second play. Similarly, if a disaster was averted "hajszálon", it implies that it was a very close call and disaster was narrowly avoided. The term conveys a sense of tension and the precariousness of the situation. It is a common idiom in everyday Hungarian conversation.