Down to the wire

Definitions

• to be very close to a deadline or end
  To describe a situation where there is very little time left to complete a task or make a decision

• to be in a difficult or challenging situation
  To describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain or could go either way

• to be in a state of urgency or pressure
  To describe a situation where there is a sense of urgency or pressure to complete something

Examples of Down to the wire

• The team's comeback in the final minutes of the game kept them in it until the very end, but they still found themselves down to the wire with only seconds left on the clock.

  This idiom refers to a situation where the outcome is uncertain or very close, and every second counts. It's often used in sports or other competitive situations, where the clock is ticking down and the outcome is still in doubt.

• The negotiations between the two parties were down to the wire, with both sides making last-minute concessions in an effort to reach a deal.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a business or political context, where negotiations are ongoing and the outcome is still uncertain.

• As the clock struck midnight, the couple found themselves down to the wire in their efforts to complete the puzzle before the end of the year.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a more lighthearted or casual context, such as a game or puzzle.

• The surgeon worked tirelessly through the night, performing a delicate operation that kept the patient down to the wire until the very end.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used in a medical context, where the outcome of a procedure is uncertain and every second counts.

• The athlete pushed herself to the limit, giving it her all until the very end, but ultimately fell just short and finished down to the wire.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where the outcome is very close, but one person ultimately falls short.

Conclusion

The idiom "down to the wire" is often used to describe a situation where there is very little time left to complete a task or make a decision. It can also convey a sense of urgency or pressure, as well as uncertainty about the outcome. This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and can be applied to a variety of situations, such as sports games, project deadlines, or even personal situations.

Origin of "Down to the wire"

The origin of the idiom "down to the wire" can be traced back to horse racing, where a wire was used to mark the finish line. As the horses approached the finish line, they would be "down to the wire," meaning they were very close to the end of the race. Over time, this phrase became a metaphor for being close to the end of any task or situation.

Another possible origin of this idiom is from the telegraph industry in the 19th century. The phrase "down to the wire" may have referred to the last few feet of wire that connected the telegraph machine to the telegraph pole. If the wire was damaged or cut, the communication would be disrupted, emphasizing the critical importance of those last few feet of wire.

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "down to the wire" has become a common phrase in the English language, used to convey a sense of urgency, pressure, and uncertainty in various situations.