down to the wire
Definition: At the very last minute; at the end.
Have you ever found yourself racing against the clock, heart pounding, folders flying, just to meet a deadline? If so, you were undoubtedly right down to the wire! This thrilling idiom hails from the horse racing world where a wire signified the finishing line. Here, “down to” simply means “all the way to” — the finish line of an adrenaline-charged event.
🌐 Similar Terms and Equivalents:
- At the eleventh hour: Narrowly meeting a deadline.
- In the nick of time: Just before it’s too late.
- Under the gun: Under pressure with very little time.
- Cutting it close: With little margin for error.
- Zero hour: The final moment when a crucial decision is necessary.
Familiar Phrases:
- “Landing just in time”
- “Just squeaked by”
- “On the brink”
- “With moments to spare”
- “Barely made it”
Thought-Provoking Proverbs:
“Better late than never, but never late is better.” — Old Proverb
“The last laugh is not driven by how long it took but by who laughed last.” — Wise Saying
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“I was procrastinating even as a kid. My report card always read ‘Talks during nap time.’ Today, my life is ‘Sleeps during work hours.’” — Floyd Burnes
You Might Find it Entertaining in:
Books:
- “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller: There’s a lot of urgent, down-to-the-wire nonsense here!
- “The Last Minute” by Jeff Abbott: Aptly named thriller!
Movies:
- “Speed”: A bus that’s constantly down to the wire.
- “Mission Impossible”: Tom Cruise basically owns this phrase.
Songs:
- “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie: An anthem for the wire leaners.
- “Time is Running Out” by Muse: Because sometimes, wires run fast.
Inspiration Time:
“The only way to catch up with the future is to be late all your life, and live like a racehorse — dreaming of the finish line in an endless rodeo.” — A. Nimble Quipper
Enjoyed our dash through this idiom? Strap in for more thrilling explorations in the world of expressions and idioms!
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