“By the skin of your teeth”

“By a hair”

By a very small amount.

“A gray area”

A situation that is unclear or not clearly defined.

“A numbers game”

A situation where success depends on trying many times.

“A losing battle”

A fight or effort that is unlikely to succeed.

“A rough patch”

A difficult period of time.

“A long way off”

Far in the future or far from being ready.

“A race against time”

A situation where one must act quickly before time runs out.

“A level head”

Calm and sensible thinking.