down to the wire

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.

Example Sentences

But not too long ago, I truly believed that the big categories in this year’s Emmys were going to come down to the wire.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s getting down to the wire,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Both players finally signed big-money deals, but only after Jones pushed negotiations to the limit - with again many believing his penchant for the dramatic means taking talks down to the wire before the start of the season to squeeze out more column inches.

From BBC

The Riot’s matchup against the Boston Ball Hogs came down to the wire with a playoff berth on the line.

From Los Angeles Times

One wonders how Stokes, the arch-competitor, coped with watching Monday's finale go down to the wire.

From BBC