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]

---

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

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

Nor was this the worst, for one day, having incautiously plunged into a bog in my anxiety to be in at the death, my horse got stuck and began to sink, and of course I sought to release myself from him at once; but no, my foot was locked fast in that terrible stirrup, and I could not stir.

From Project Gutenberg

A pilot is, of course, a great acquisition, if he be a good one, but throughout some of my best runs I have performed the office for myself, and have succeeded in being in at the death.

From Project Gutenberg

Never a better follower than I in my younger days—always in at the death—but that's a long while ago now.

From Project Gutenberg