Under the wire

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Meaning

Just making it in time, at the last tick.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to horse racing; 'wire' was the finish, slang by 1880s for last. A 1889 'New York Times' uses it for a close call.

Usage Examples

  • She got it under the wire; deadline met!
  • He slid under the wire with that fix.
  • Under the wire; just in time!

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