Crossword Genius

Narrow escape in cathedral area before visit (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

close call

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'narrow escape' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cathedral area before visit' is the wordplay.
'cathedral area' becomes 'close' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'visit' becomes 'call' (synonyms).
'close'+'call'='CLOSE CALL'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for close call that I've seen before include "Narrow decision" , "hang up" , "Lucky escape" , "A near thing" , "One may be disputed in court" .)

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