Under the Wire
The idiom “under the wire” is used to describe a situation where someone completes a task or meets a deadline just in time, often at the last moment or with very little time to spare. It originates from the world of horse racing, where a horse that crosses the finish line just before the wire marking the end of the race is considered the winner. In everyday life, being “under the wire” means managing to accomplish something right before it’s too late. It implies a sense of urgency and close timing, suggesting that the outcome could have been different if the task had been completed even slightly later.
People often use this idiom in work or academic settings when they finish a project or submit an assignment right before the deadline. It can also be applied to various situations where timing is critical, such as catching a flight at the last minute or making a crucial decision just in time to avoid negative consequences.