The phrase "was touch and go" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation in which the outcome is uncertain or precarious and could go either way. The term is primarily used to convey a sense of suspense, apprehension, or danger attached to a specific event or circumstance.
When something is "touch and go," it implies that the situation is delicate and could easily tip towards either a positive or negative outcome. It suggests that the result is uncertain or hangs in the balance, and that even a slight touch or nudge could potentially sway the circumstances to one extreme or the other.
The phrase originated from the world of navigation, where sailors had to carefully maneuver their ships through narrow waterways or treacherous passages. In such instances, any slight touch or misjudgment could lead to a catastrophic result. Consequently, "was touch and go" has come to signify a situation where success or failure may be determined by a hair's breadth, and the outcome remains uncertain until the very last moment.
In everyday use, the phrase has extended beyond maritime contexts and has permeated various aspects of life, such as sports, business, relationships, or any situation where uncertainty and risk factor into the outcome. Therefore, when someone says that a situation "was touch and go," it means that there was little margin for error, and the result could have gone either way, causing a sense of excitement, anxiety, or relief depending on the final outcome.
