Idiom
down to the wire
Meanings
Not decided until the very last moment; happening right before the deadline or finish.
Remaining uncertain until the end of a process such as a negotiation, vote, or decision.
Definition
If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or finish.
When something goes down to the wire, it stays uncertain until the final moments. It is used for close competitions, tight negotiations, or projects finished right before a deadline. The idea is that the result is only known at the end.
Examples
- The game went down to the wire, and we won by one point.
- Our budget talks went down to the wire before we reached a deal.
- The election went down to the wire, with the final district deciding it.
- The project went down to the wire, but we submitted it on time.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.
- get your knickers in a twist To get your knickers in a twist means to become unnecessarily upset, angry, or worried about someth…