Crossword Genius

Almost a disaster — point to what should prevent a shock (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

near thing

'almost a disaster' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'point to what should prevent a shock' is the wordplay.
'point' becomes 'n' (N is an example).
'to what should prevent a shock' becomes 'earthing' (earthing should prevent electric shocks).
'n'+'earthing'='NEAR THING'

(Other definitions for near thing that I've seen before include "Something that barely avoids failure or disaster" , "Narrow escape, missed by a small margin (4.5)" , "Knife-edge event" , "Even the short-sighted could plainly see that" , "almost an accident" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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