To narrowly avoid a serious problem, danger, or unpleasant consequence.
While the literal concept of dodging bullets appears in 19th-century warfare accounts, the metaphorical phrase gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly after Hollywood westerns romanticized the idea of heroes dodging gunfire. The modern usage emphasizes the element of luck or close timing in avoiding disaster.
The phrase implies that the danger was real and imminent - you can't dodge something that wasn't actually threatening you. This distinguishes it from simply 'avoiding trouble,' as it suggests the negative outcome was already in motion and barely missed its target, much like Neo's famous bullet-dodging scene in 'The Matrix.'
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