down to the wire

Idioms  

1. To the last minute; to the very end. For example, We're just about down to the wire with this project. This term comes from horseracing, where it was long the practice to stretch a wire across and above the track at the finish line. It was extended to figurative use about 1900.

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Example Sentences

This pool has always shown signs it will come down to the wire.

From BBC

Paris and its allies seemed short of a blocking minority, but the vote could go down to the wire.

From Barron's

Everyone, me included, thought this would be a hard-fought series that would go down to the wire.

From BBC

This showdown comes down to the wire and Carolina wins with a field goal to clinch the NFC South title.

From Los Angeles Times

This one figures to come down to the wire, but the Chargers should be able to come away with a win and season sweep.

From Los Angeles Times