Crossword Genius

Sticky label near thing (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

close call

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'near thing' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'sticky label' is the wordplay.
'sticky' becomes 'close' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'label' becomes 'call' (calling is a kind of labelling).
'close'+'call'='CLOSE CALL'

Can you help me to learn more?

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

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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