too close to call
1
almost impossible to predict who will win and who will lose, particularly in a competition
The idiom "too close to call" is frequently used in the context of competitions, particularly in sports and elections. It signifies a situation where the outcome is so tight or uncertain that it is difficult to predict a winner or make a definitive judgment. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it has been used for decades to describe close contests or situations where the margin between competitors is minimal.
- The race was too close to call until the final seconds when one team scored a winning goal.
- In the election, the two leading candidates were neck and neck in the polls, making it too close to call a clear winner.
- The talent competition was so fierce that it was too close to call, and the judges had a tough decision to make.
- With the scores tied in the championship game, it was too close to call who would emerge as the victor.
- The film awards ceremony saw two outstanding performances, and it was too close to call which actor would win the Best Actor category.