Speaking English Like A Native

this expression originally referred to being shot at and the bullet just barely missing you. it is now used in reference to a variety of negatives things that could be have happened but didn’t.

example:

1. when i left just before the earthquake i really appreciated that a miss is as good as a mile,
2. when his wife showed up just seconds after his girlfriend left he smiled and said to himself that a miss is as good as a mile.
3. when a speeding car almost hits you, a miss is not as good as a mile.