λίγο έλειψε να

Translations

• almost
• nearly
• was on the verge of

Literal Translation

it lacked a little to

Forms

Usage Notes

Always followed by 'να' and a verb in subjunctive mood. Indicates an action that nearly happened but didn't.

Etymology

Constructed from 'λίγο' (a little) and 'έλειψε' (it was missing/lacking), indicating that only a small amount was missing for an action to occur.

Cultural Context

Used to express that something nearly happened, especially in dramatic storytelling.

• Think of 'a little was missing' for something to happen - just a small push away from occurring.