THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Down to the wire
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Continuing until the last possible moment, with the result or completion still uncertain.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The match went down to the wire before our team scored the winning point.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The match went ________ before our team scored the winning point.
Show the answer
Down to the wire — Continuing until the last possible moment, with the result or completion still uncertain.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Down to the wire” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Continuing until the last possible moment, with the result or completion still uncertain.
Compare: The match went down to the wire before our team scored the winning point.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it for a close competition, negotiation or deadline. It suits conversation and general reporting.
More examples in context
- The contract talks are going down to the wire.
- Finishing the exhibition went down to the wire, with the last label printed minutes before opening.
Usage note
A common pattern is “go down to the wire.” The phrase emphasises a late resolution, not simply working quickly.
A short conversation
A: Have they chosen the winner yet?
B: No, this contest is going down to the wire.
A: We will have to wait for the final round.
One more practice question
Which match goes down to the wire?
A. A match whose winner is decided in the final seconds.
B. A match settled long before the final round.
Check your answer
A. The outcome remains uncertain until the end.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.