at the last minute

Idioms  

1. At the latest possible moment or opportunity. For example, Jim couldn't get a reservation because he had called at the last minute. Also see at the latest; eleventh hour.

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Example Sentences

But they said he was a challenge for supervisors and frustrated line prosecutors and federal agents, frequently turning in work late or at the last minute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

One was an international student who had to live in a hostel for a week after being left without accommodation at the last minute.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

She entered the race to challenge Bass, her one-time ally, at the last minute, hours before the early February filing deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

The reusable rocket is assembled horizontally and put on the launchpad at the last minute with no supporting infrastructure.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

So it didn’t matter to me that Angel Yanagihara was doing it for a good cause, or even that she swooped in at the last minute with her treatment.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin