photo finish
Camera-decided race outcome
A photo finish is a race ending so close that the winner can only be determined by examining a photograph of the finish line.
The term extends to any extremely close competition: The election came down to a photo finish.
The image evokes two contestants crossing the line in apparent unison, requiring technology to separate them.
Thousandths of a second
- hundredthsParts per hundred
- split-secondFraction of a moment
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
- sensorInput-detecting device
Path or monitored route
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- derbyOpen-entry competition
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
- homestretchLast portion before completion
furlong · jockey · cycling · velodrome · athletics · swimming · motorsport · regatta
Extremely tense or anxious
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- edge-of-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
- heart-stoppingExtremely shocking or thrilling
- tenseStrained or nervous
dramatic · breathtaking · heart-pounding · electrifying · gripping · riveting · high-stakes · showdown
Extremely narrow margin
- squeakerBarely-won contest
- tiebreakerContest deciding drawn competitors
- lungeSudden forward movement
- leanLacking fat; incline
dip · homestretch · winner · runner-up · placing
Formal legal determination
- adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- analysisMethodical study of parts
- determinationFirmness of purpose
verdict · appeal · decision · confirmation · disqualification · objection · inquiry · call
milliseconds
Thousandths of a second
- hundredthsParts per hundred
- split-secondFraction of a moment
- synchronizationAligning timing across systems
sensor · replay · enlargement · timestamp
track
Path or monitored route
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- derbyOpen-entry competition
- thoroughbredOf pure ancestral line
homestretch · furlong · jockey · cycling · velodrome · athletics · swimming · motorsport · regatta
nail-biting
Extremely tense or anxious
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- edge-of-seatIntensely suspenseful experience
- heart-stoppingExtremely shocking or thrilling
tense · dramatic · breathtaking · heart-pounding · electrifying · gripping · riveting · high-stakes · showdown · anticipation
hairbreadth
Extremely narrow margin
- squeakerBarely-won contest
- tiebreakerContest deciding drawn competitors
- lungeSudden forward movement
ruling
Formal legal determination
- adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- analysisMethodical study of parts
determination · verdict · appeal · decision · confirmation · disqualification · objection · inquiry · call
- close winsbuzzer beater, squeaker, nail biter, close call, by a whisker
- racetrackpit lane, starting line, starting gate, starting grid, grandstand
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- cyclingbikes, bicycles, cycling, cyclist, cyclists
- horse racingthoroughbred, horse racing, racehorse, flat race, horses
- racingrace, racing, race track, racetrack, lap