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

In the reign of Charles II, a 70-mile hunt was held from Swinley to Lord Petre's Seat in Essex; the Duke of York was the only hunter in at the death.

From Time Magazine Archive

I know, for I traveled with the circus train for three days and was in at the death.

From Time Magazine Archive

Why, I run with the hounds, and mostly always in at the death; but that is not altogether speed: ye see I know Pug's mind.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 99, January, 1866 by Various