Down to the wire
Meaning
When a situation, competition, or decision continues right until the very last possible moment.
Origin
The phrase "down to the wire" vividly evokes the dramatic climax of horse races. In the early 20th century, as photographic technology advanced, race organizers stretched a thin wire across the finish line. This wire served as a precise marker for photo-finish cameras, capturing the exact moment a horse crossed, especially in races where contenders were neck and neck. A race that was truly competitive, where the outcome remained uncertain until the very last instant, was said to come "down to the wire," emphasizing the literal reliance on this physical marker to determine the winner. The tension and excitement of such a close finish quickly lent the phrase its broader meaning of any situation that concludes at the final possible moment.
Examples
- The championship game went down to the wire, with the winning goal scored in the final seconds.
- Negotiations for the new contract went down to the wire, almost missing the deadline before an agreement was reached.