crunch time

American  

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

   It's crunch time for high-tech companies.

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crunch time Idioms  

1. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of crunch time

1975–80

Example Sentences

Crunch time at Yankee Stadium, the Death Star itself, and Travis Hafner trundles to the plate?

From New York Times • May 31, 2013

Crunch time for Isaac came about 20 years ago, when a tourist took a photo of him, without asking permission - something the Maasai, are particularly sensitive about.

From BBC • May 28, 2013

Crunch time in a big game against the Washington Spirit!

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2013

Crunch time and Cascadia in front of crowd that will fit two MLS crowds, that's what everyone wants.

From The Guardian • Aug. 17, 2012

At D.C. clinic, doctors who chose primary care One reason health care is expensive Crunch time on health exchanges 2012 will be a big year for putting the health reform act in place.

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2012