ENGLISH
REFERENCE

down to the wire

idiom
Meaning

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

Origin

disputed origin

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

Examples
SIMPLE

We are down to the wire with this project.

CONTEXTUAL

The team worked all night because the deadline was down to the wire.

COMPLEX

With the election results still uncertain, the campaign managers watched the final votes come in, knowing the outcome would go down to the wire.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    tickle the wire

    To create a situation that will encourage the target of a criminal probe to speak and divulge information on a wiretapped telephone.

  2. 02

    word on the wire

    The rumour or news going around on the internet, in business, on the street, or in social circles.

© 2026 English Reference