just barely

/dʒʌst ˈbɛərli/
adverb phraseIntermediate
What It Really Means
To achieve something with minimal effort or by a very small margin.
Literal Meaning
The exact and minimal achievement of something.
Literal Breakdown
justexactly+barelyby a very small margin
Mental Image
The mental picture of someone barely succeeding or achieving something with minimal effort.
When to Use
A student who just barely passes an exam with the minimum required score.
Cultural Note
This phrase is commonly used in English to describe close calls or narrow victories in various contexts, such as exams, sports, or daily life.
informal

To achieve something with minimal effort or by a very small margin; to succeed in the slightest way possible.

She just barely passed the exam with a score of 51%.

He just barely made it to the meeting on time.

💡

Often used to describe a situation where success was uncertain or required minimal effort.

Collocations

just barely passto pass an exam or test with the minimum required scorejust barely make itto arrive or succeed at the last possible moment

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

by the skin of one's teethidiom
to succeed in a very close or narrow manner
by a hairphrase
by a very small margin

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'just barely' to describe situations where success was uncertain or required minimal effort. It is often used in informal contexts.

Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

'Just barely' is an adverb phrase and should be used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

📖Word Origin

Combination of 'just' (exactly, precisely) and 'barely' (by a very small margin).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase emphasizes the minimal nature of the achievement or success. It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe close calls or narrow victories.

Word Breakdown

just
exactly, precisely
adverb
+
barely
by a very small margin
adverb
English Dictionary