Definition
In the nick of time: At the last possible moment; just before it’s too late.
Similar Terms
- Just in time
- At the eleventh hour
- On the dot
- Right on time
- Down to the wire
Synonyms
- Timely
- Prompt
- Punctual
- Opportune
- Spur-of-the-moment
Antonyms
- Late
- Tardy
- Delayed
- Behind schedule
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” — Douglas Adams
- “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” — William Shakespeare
- “If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” — Unknown
Proverbs
- “Better late than never.” — Problems aren’t typically deemed solved until a critical moment, often frustratingly close to the end.
- “A stitch in time saves nine.” — An action taken in time can prevent major issues.
- “Time and tide wait for no man.” — Importance of timing because opportunities and moments, once lost, can’t be regained.
Literary References
- “The Pirate” by Sir Walter Scott: “The fortunate arrival of Gordaunt, in the very nick of time.”
- “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens: Last-minute turnarounds are a common theme in Dickens’ stories.
Movie Suggestions
- “Back to the Future” (1985): Marty McFly consistently arrives back in the nick of time.
- “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989): Several heart-pounding moments make us appreciate perfect timing.
- “Home Alone” (1990): Kevin always sets up his traps just in the nick of time!
Song References
- “Just in Time” by Nina Simone: Classic song highlighting the beauty of timely encounters.
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper: Wrongly attributed chances at making up for lost time.
Poetic Inspiration
- Excerpt from Seamus Heaney’s poetry: Heaney’s work often exudes a sense of critical, yet timely introspection.
### Which phrase means arriving at the very last moment?
- [x] In the nick of time
- [ ] After the clock rung
- [ ] Behind the time curtain
- [ ] Late by a whisker
> **Explanation:** "In the nick of time" is the idiom that means arriving precisely at the last moment before it’s too late.
### True or False: 'A stitch in time saves nine' means taking care of something early can prevent bigger problems.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True – The proverb advises timely action to avoid larger issues later on.
### Which is an antonym for 'in the nick of time'?
- [ ] Punctual
- [ ] Prompt
- [ ] On the dot
- [x] Tardy
> **Explanation:** "Tardy" or late is an antonym, as it means not arriving or happening at the planned or expected time.
### Which describes arriving consistently without delay?
- [ ] Missing the wave
- [x] Right on time
- [ ] Jumping the rim
- [ ] Skipping the second
> **Explanation:** "Right on time" means arriving exactly when required.
### According to the cliché, when do lifesavers often arrive?
- [x] Just in time
- [ ] When the moon is blue
- [ ] Following the pundits
- [ ] Slipping past the mark
> **Explanation:** Lifesavers or saviors tend to arrive "just in time" or in the very nick of time, especially in dramatic stories.
Farewell Thought:
As life happens, be a believer in timing and its little miracles. Sometimes, the right moment can change everything, just in the nick of time. Remember, life’s greatest stories are often timed to perfection.
Yours, Chrono Cliché
