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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

down to the wire en · ADJ

Pronunciation

Etymology

From horse racing: approaching the wire that marks the winning line.

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, not-comparable) At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
    • He was almost done with the paper, but tomorrow's due date meant it would be down to the wire.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
down-to-the-wire alternative lexicographic

Synonyms

last minute · down to the short strokes

down to the wire en · ADV

Pronunciation

Etymology

From horse racing: approaching the wire that marks the winning line.

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, not-comparable) At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.
    • Liverpool created a host of chances and had a Joel Matip goal ruled out for a foul and offside in an incident-packed game that went right down to the wire before Jurgen Klopp's side prevailed. 2022 February 27, Phil McNulty, “Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool”, in BBC Sport:
    • He was almost done with the paper, but tomorrow's due date meant it would come down to the wire.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
down-to-the-wire alternative lexicographic

Synonyms

down to the short strokes

Translations (1)

it in dirittura d'arrivo (at the very end)