What does win by a nose mean?

"Win by a nose" is a horse racing term -- and means that the lead horse was just a little bit ahead of the second place horse. Actually, in the finish-photo the lead horse is ahead by the tip of its nose. Hence the term "photo finish" by the way... ;-)

In everyday useage, "win by a nose" means any race that is very, very close.

First answer by Svmariane. Last edit by Svmariane. Contributor trust: 303 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 8 [recommend question]