(go) down to the wire
Meaning(s)
1. something that will not be decided or become clear until the last possible moment
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
this is going to be very close, it will go down to the wire
Analysis
When something is 'down to the wire' it means to wait until the last possible minute to do or achieve something. This idiomatic expression is usually used to talk about meeting deadlines. Similar in meaning to 'at the last minute'.
Social Examples (Advance)
- This election is so close that it's hard to tell who's going to win. I think it's going to go right down to the wire.
- It was down to the wire, but I did make my flight in the end.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The negotiations went down to the wire, but we managed to get the deal over the line before the deadline.
- If we work through the night we will be able to deliver on time but it will be down to the wire.