Phrase guide

down to the wire

adj · adv · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • He was almost done with the paper, but tomorrow's due date meant it would be down to the wire.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

At the very end of a process or project, especially one with a fast-approaching deadline.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • He was almost done with the paper, but tomorrow's due date meant it would come down to the wire.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

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

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: in dirittura d'arrivo — at the very end