# pip to the post

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pip-to-the-post
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To overcome a strong competitor in a sporting event, especially by gaining a small advantage at the last decisive moment.

## Examples

- She pipped him to the post in the final race.
- Our team led for most of the game, but the opponents pipped us to the post in the final seconds.
- Despite his consistent performance throughout the tournament, the underdog was pipped to the post by a last-minute surge from the defending champion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.