Does this count if one of the characters is actively hiding from the other?
I just want to say I find this trope infuriating. It's lazy writing and not compelling as the reason for failure has little to do with the protagonist's aptitude or effort and more to do with dumb luck. Chance should never be the main villain of a story-line. That is all...
Reposting Troper Dark Kuno's thoughts on this topic re Sesame Street, where it won't be natter:
- This troper believes it took them entirely too long to realize the negative message they were constantly reinforcing to children. Over 10 years of repeatedly demonstrating and reinforcing the concept that telling the truth is frequently pointless and will often get you in trouble. As a child growing up watching this scenario unfold before me, this specific example is the reason this troper despises this trope above and beyond all others.
i think "missed him by seconds" might be a better title, as it is more indicative (and less likely to be confused with what Close-Call Haircut stands for)
I just wanted to endorse the page image. I wasn't sure what sense the trope name referred to when it was mentioned elsewhere. I followed the link; the first thing I glanced at was the image and understood in about half a second. If you start an image change thread, you are wrong :P
Edited by jerodast
I=One of early episodes of "24", I remember Kim passing by one of her parents who was looking for her. Don't remember which parent or do they see each other, but do remember they pass close.