Under the wire

Meaning

Just before a deadline.

Usage

Used when something happens right before a cutoff.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Races wired with tape at the finish line, emphasizing last-second finishes.

Early 20th-century athletics cemented the image.