within an ace of something Definition

ace
noun

1. cards.
The card in each of the four suits with a single symbol on it, having either the highest value or the value one.
2. colloq
Someone who is extremely good at something.
Thesaurus: expert, master, champion, specialist.
3. A fighter pilot who has shot down many enemy aircraft.
4. tennis.
A serve that is so fast and cleverly placed that the opposing player cannot hit the ball back.

adj

1. colloq
Excellent.
Thesaurus: excellent, outstanding, superb, fine, brilliant, great, expert, virtuoso, matchless, first-class, champion, nonpareil.

Idiom: an ace up one's sleeve

A hidden or secret advantage, argument, etc that will help one to beat an opponent.

Idiom: hold all the aces

To be in a powerful or winning position.

Idiom: play one's ace

To put into action a plan for the final defeat of one's opponent.

Idiom: within an ace of something (within an ace of doing something)

Very close to it.
Example: came within an ace of winning

Etymology: 13c as as: French, from Latin as a unit.