in at the death

Idioms  

1. Also,. Involved in or present at the end, especially a disastrous end but sometimes merely the climax of an important event. For example, He had a hand in their breakup, but he didn't want to be in at the death, or They've done really well this year, and we want to be in at the kill. These expressions originally alluded to hunters and hounds being present at the death of a fox they had run to ground. [First half of 1700s]

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Example Sentences

In all, England sent down 11 overs of spin, the most they have ever bowled in a T20, before paceman Mahmood nipped in at the death for 3-33.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2021

But a late penalty try brought Gloucester within three points and Barton raced in at the death to win it for the hosts.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2020

Their charm is sufficient to make everybody want to know them, sufficient also to make everyone want to be in at the death of their airy and desperate career.

From Time Magazine Archive

Kids on stumpy ponies and millionaires slithering upon their priceless hunters, will go over the hedges, fall, or be in at the death and then jog back to breakfast, late in the autumn mornings.

From Time Magazine Archive

The boys were on edge with excitement at the prospect of being in at the death and as the liner was rapidly approaching the scene of action, they had a clear view of what followed.

From Army Boys in France or, From Training Camp to Trenches by Randall, Homer