last minute

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

1. the time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.

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last-minute British  

noun

1. (modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

   last-minute preparations

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Other Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Szoboszlai was tasked with marking Morgan Gibbs-White, but decided against tracking him to the near post - instead attempting to pick up the free Murillo at the last minute.

From BBC

“The barn was mostly empty and at the last minute I decided to break the rules and take the goat that night and deal with the consequences later.”

From Los Angeles Times

They also expressed particular concern about last minute stock sales by Silicon Valley Bank officials.

From New York Times

Some members of the UUP negotiating team, including Jeffrey Donaldson, refused to sign up to the agreement and left the talks at the last minute.

From BBC

For even better sunny-side-up eggs, cover them for the last minute of cooking.

From New York Times