Down to the wire

Meaning

The idiom "down to the wire" means being very close to a final decision or to the completion of something, often with only a small amount of time left before reaching that point. It can also refer to a situation where there is a lot of uncertainty or tension, and everyone involved is on edge.

Usage

• The project was behind schedule but our team managed to finish it down to the wire.
• I had to make a difficult decision about my future, but after much contemplation, I made the choice just before the deadline.
• The negotiations were tense and went right up until the last minute, with both sides refusing to back down.
• The city council had to vote on the proposal before midnight, and it was anyone's game until the very end.
• With only 24 hours left to complete the project, our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a variety of situations where there is uncertainty or tension, such as in business, politics, or personal life.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the phrase "down to the wire" dates back to 1950 in the United States. It was first used in the context of horse racing, where it referred to the moment when a jockey had to make their final decision to finish or quit. The phrase has since been applied to many other situations that require a final decision or a last-minute effort.

Synonyms in English

• To the nub
• To the last minute
• At the eleventh hour
• Right up until the wire
• The nick of time

Synonyms in other languages

• En français: "Jusqu'au dernier moment"
• In Spanish: "Hasta el último momento"
• In Italian: "Ai confini del tempo"
• In German: "Bis zum letzten Moment"
• In Portuguese: "Até o último momento"

Similar Idioms

• drive crazy

• do or die

• dead as a doornail