nip and tuck MAINLY US
If a competition is nip and tuck, first one side seems to be winning and then the other, so that the result is uncertain:
It was nip and tuck as to who would win the playoffs, but Denver's determination helped them to beat a tough Washington team.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

nip and tuck
a nip and (a) tuck
1.
a medical operation to improve the appearance of your face.
I don't think you could look like that at her age without a little nip and tuck.

2.
small changes or reductions made in order to improve something.
A nip and a tuck in their household budget would give them the extra money they need.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

nip and tuck
evenly matched, almost even or tied
The two horses were running nip and tuck for most of the race but finally the younger horse won the race.

They were running nip and tuck but he finally won the race in the end.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

nip and tuck
adj. or adv., informal Evenly matched; hard fought to the finish.
The game was nip and tuck until the last minute.
A was a nip and tuck race right to the finish line.
The two salesmen fought nip and tuck for the contract all the way.
Compare: NECK AND NECK.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲