crunch time

1. a period of intense pressure; a critical situation.

   It's crunch time for high-tech companies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of crunch time¹

1975–80

Idioms and Phrases

A period when pressure to succeed is great, often toward the end of an undertaking. For example, It's crunch time—we only have two more days to finish. This term employs crunch in the sense of “a critical situation or test.” [Slang; 1970s]

Example Sentences

They are convinced golf is approaching a crunch time.

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From their position, England should have kicked on to 300 and it is likely they will need that should they bat first against Australia – but their winning run goes on, and it is a crucial win against a world-class side that they desperately needed as they approach crunch time.

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“I know it wasn’t the best decision to take the ball out his hands in crunch time on that fourth down,” McVay said.

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It feels like crunch time for Angela Rayner.

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"It is nice to play well at the crunch time; the play-offs and the Ryder Cup," Fitzpatrick said.

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