a close-run thing• And with Comet Swift-Tuttle due to obliterate the Earth in August 2126, it could be a close-run thing.• Between the two of you - well, in his own phrase, it's a close-run thing.• It had been a close-run thing.• The motion failed to obtain an absolute majority of 249 but it was a close-run thing.• Now, with just one win in three matches, a close-run thing against Castleford reserves, opinions are hardening.• Although it is a close-run thing arithmetically, there seems to be no real basis for this charge of bastardy.